NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — The Bethel College Athletic Department announced the resignation of Terry Harrison, head football coach, to pursue a new job opportunity.
 
"Coach Harrison breathed life into our football program when he took a huge risk four years ago to come to Bethel,'' said Director of Athletics Tony Hoops.
 
"He transformed an entire program during that time frame for which I cannot thank him enough for." 
 
Coach Harrison completed his fourth season at the helm for the Threshers in 2021. During his tenure, Bethel went 29-14, reaching a national ranking as high as 10 and making one appearance in the NAIA National Playoffs. 

"I am beyond grateful for the last four years at Bethel College," Harrison said. 

"Our administration, staff and players have created a 'big time' program. Words can't express how thankful I am for the families that chose to build this program into what it is today. I've never been more proud of anything as a coach."

"While it's extremely difficult to leave Bethel, there comes a time as a coach and a competitor for a new challenge. I'm leaving Bethel with a sense of pride and accomplishment that will never leave. I know our players and families feel the same."

Harrison installed the flexbone offense for the 2018 season, which has helped Bethel become one of the premier rushing attacks in the NAIA.

The Threshers finished the 2018 season averaging more than 274 rushing yards per game, the third-most nationally. The 2018 squad had three All-KCAC 2nd-Team players and 13 total All-KCAC recipients.

The 2019 Thresher offense was one of the best in the program's history, leading the entire NAIA with 4,084 rushing yards averaging more than 371 rushing yards per game.

Bethel finished the 2019 season with a record of 8-3, second in the KCAC, earning a ranking in the NAIA Top 25 for the first time since 2008 and ending the year at #24 in the polls.

The 2019 Threshers had two NAIA All-Americans, the KCAC Special Teams Player of the Year, six All-KCAC 1st Team players and recorded 19 total conference awards.

In the extended, COVID-impacted, 2020 season, Bethel won the KCAC title for the first time since 2007. The Threshers were ranked #11 and made the third NAIA National Playoff appearance in school history.

Bethel finished the season breaking six school records. There were 21 All-KCAC selections, including nine on the 1st Team, along with the KCAC Defensive Player of the Year (Josh Seabolt), the KCAC Player of the Year (Zach Esau), the KCAC Assistant Coach of the Year (Paul Kempf) and the KCAC Coach of the Year (Harrison).

Seabolt and Keegan Martin earned All-American status, while Trey Palmer was an All-American Honorable Mention. The team was also named the KCAC Team of Character for football.

In Harrison's final season leading the Threshers, the team achieved their second straight 9-win season for the first time in program history while becoming back-to-back KCAC champions.

Bethel reached a national ranking as high as #10, while never dropping out of the top 25 all season.

Earning four KCAC Player of the Week awards, the Threshers led the country in five offensive categories: rushing yards, rushing attempts, rushing yards per game, rushing yards per attempt and rushing touchdowns.

Bethel finished the 2021 regular season third in the country in overall offense, with a total of 5,390 yards, and with one of the best defensive units in the country, allowing 92.7 yards per game on the ground, 11th best in the nation. The defense recorded 34 sacks over their 11 games, 9th most in the NAIA.

"I can't thank Tony Hoops and President Jon Gering enough for their commitment to excellence," Harrison said.

"They have invested more time and energy into a football program than anyone in the country. Their support has been the most significant part of our success outside of our players. Their leadership will propel Bethel football to continued success moving forward and I'm lucky to call them friends."

"This program was built on Christian character, work ethic, and discipline, which will carry the program through this time of transition," Hoops said.

"We will miss Coach Harrison along with transformative assistant coaches Paul Kempf, Jeremy Reed and Eric Kelly. Together they built a model program all Thresher fans can be proud of. Thresher football is in a better place thanks to their efforts which makes me excited for the future under a new coach."

A search for the next head football coach will begin immediately.

In athletics, Bethel competes within the 13-school Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, and the NAIA. For more information, see www.bethelthreshers.com

Bethel College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, parental or marital status, gender identity, gender expression, medical or genetic information, ethnic or national origins, citizenship status, veteran or military status or disability. E-mail questions to TitleIXCoordinator@bethelks.edu