AT HARDING
Bryce Bray returned to the Harding coaching staff as offensive coordinator in January 2026. A legendary figure in program history and a former Rimington Award winner, Bray brings a wealth of experience both as a collegiate position coach and a high school offensive coordinator.
This marks Bray's second stint on the Bison staff. He previously served as the quarterbacks and running backs coach (2020-2023) and the offensive line coach (2018-2020).
BEFORE HARDING
Bray returns to Searcy after establishing himself as one of the premier offensive minds in Arkansas high school football.
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Rogers High School (2024-2025): Serving as Offensive Coordinator, Bray was named the 7A West Offensive Coordinator of the Year in both 2024 and 2025. His prolific offense led the 7A division in scoring, averaging over 51 points per game in back-to-back seasons. He also coordinated all special teams units.
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Springdale High School (2023): As Offensive Coordinator, Bray designed and implemented a new offensive system that more than doubled the team's scoring output from the previous year.
PREVIOUS HARDING COACHING EXPERIENCE
During his previous tenure on the Harding sideline (2018-2023), Bray played a key role in the development of the program's record-breaking offense.
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Quarterbacks/Running Backs Coach (Feb. 2020 – March 2023): Bray facilitated the development of the QB and RB position groups while also coaching the kickoff return, FG/PAT, and punt units. He mentored nine All-Conference players, a First Team All-Super Region lineman, and high-character athletes including a Campbell Trophy Award winner, a Harlon Hill finalist, and a CoSIDA Academic All-American. His kickoff return units consistently led the GAC in yards per return.
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Offensive Line Coach (Dec. 2018 – Jan. 2020): Immediately following his playing career, Bray led the offensive line, handling game planning, on-field coaching, and film analysis.
PLAYING CAREER
One of the most decorated players in Harding history, Bray started a school-record 50 games at center from 2015-18. He anchored an offensive line that led the Bisons to the NCAA Division II semifinals in 2017 and the quarterfinals in 2016.
Playing Honors:
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Rimington Award Winner (2018): Named the best center in NCAA Division II, becoming the first player in Great American Conference history to win the award.
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GAC Male Athlete of the Year (2018-19): The first Harding student-athlete to win the conference's highest individual honor and the only lineman to ever receive the award.
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All-American: A two-time consensus All-American (2017, 2018).
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Willie Roaf Award (2018): Recipient of the award given to the top collegiate offensive lineman in the state of Arkansas, regardless of division.
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Berry Hill Award: Recipient of the character award for Harding athletes.
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Team Captain: Voted team captain by his peers in 2017 and 2018.
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All-Conference: A four-time All-GAC selection (2015-2018) and three-time All-Region honoree (2016-2018).
EDUCATION
Bray holds three degrees from Harding University:
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Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (2018) – 3.82 GPA
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Master of Arts in Excellence in Teaching (2020) – 4.0 GPA
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Master of Science in Sports Administration (2022) – 3.8 GPA
He also holds an Arkansas Education License (K-12 Biology/Health/Physical Education).
FAMILY
Bray is married to the former Chandler Little of Rogers, Arkansas. The couple have one son -- Rocky.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2026-present: Harding, offensive coordinator
2024-2025: Rogers High School, offensive coordinator
2023-2024: Springdale High School, offensive coordinator
2020-2023: Harding, quarterbacks/running backs coach
2018-2020: Harding, offensive line coach
PLAYING EXPERIENCE
Harding, offensive line (2015-18)
Rogers (Ark.) High School, offensive line (2011-14)
