BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University athletic department today announced the naming of current assistant head coach Kevin Bachtel as the next head coach to guide the Yellow Jacket football program. Jason Bachtel accepts a coordinator position at Houston Christian University,

Kevin Bachtel, the current assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at HPU, will take over the reins of the Yellow Jacket program to continue the success he and his brother, Jason have built at Howard Payne.

"Having closely worked with Kevin the past two seasons, I am excited that he is going to be our head football coach," said Hunter Sims director of athletics. "I am thrilled that we will be able to continue success for the HPU football program. He is a man of God and a strong fit to guide the Yellow Jacket program"

Over two seasons (2021 and 2022), K. Bachtel has coached nine different All-Conference defensive players including 1st Team All-Region defensive back, Kyle Bell. 

K. Bachtel came to Howard Payne from Edgewood High School (TX), where he was the head football coach for five seasons (2016-2021), compiling a record of 40-17 and a district championship in 2016.

Before Edgewood, K. Bachtel had coaching stints at Grand Saline High School (TX) as the assistant head football coach and defensive coordinator, and at Wills Point High School (TX) as the defensive coordinator.

K. Bachtel is a 2000 graduate of Texas A&M Commerce and is married to his wife Sara with one daughter, Madlyn.

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Story Courtesy of Howard Payne Sports Information