Bio

Jeremiah McKibben, a Chattanooga, Tennessee native, serves as the Defensive Coordinator for Union's football program. A 2016 graduate of East Ridge High School, McKibben had a standout high school career that began at Ooltewah High School before transferring to East Ridge. There, he led the state in sacks for three consecutive seasons and earned Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year honors his senior year—sharing the title with future NFL standout Patrick Johnson. He was also named Team MVP and earned Newcomer of the Year honors as a sophomore.

McKibben continued his playing career at the University of the Cumberlands, where he was a three-year starter. Over his collegiate career, he totaled 124 tackles, including 49 unassisted, along with 2 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. He earned All-Commonwealth honors twice and was a key contributor to a defense that ranked in the top five nationally.

In addition to football, McKibben was a highly decorated cheerleader. He served as a three-year captain, was twice named All-Conference, won two conference championships, and helped his team to a fifth-place national finish.

McKibben holds a bachelor's degree in Public Health and Exercise & Sport Science (2019) and a master's degree in Coaching and Leadership (2022), both from the University of the Cumberlands. He began his coaching career there in 2021 as a graduate assistant, later becoming the full-time linebackers coach and student advisor. In 2023, he joined Union as Special Teams Coordinator and was promoted to Defensive Coordinator in the spring of 2025.

Outside of football, McKibben is a proud father to two sons, Zion Elias Daniel McKibben and Ezekiel Alexander McKibben. His hobbies include fishing, golf, video games, cart racing, and reading the Bible.

Updated: 5-30-25