AT HARDING
Luke Tribble was promoted to Defensive Coordinator in January 2026 after serving as the program's co-defensive coordinator since 2018. He continues to coach the defensive backs, a role he has held since joining the staff in 2012.
Coaching Highlights:
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Promotion: Named Defensive Coordinator by Head Coach Roddy Mote following the 2025 season.
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Championship Pedigree: Served as the co-defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator, and defensive backs coach for the 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship team and the 2025 National Runner-Up squad.
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Winning Tradition: Harding has compiled a 139-27 record during Tribble's 14 seasons on staff. The Bisons have made 10 NCAA Division II Playoff appearances during his tenure (2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025), reaching the national semifinals three times and the title game twice.
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Defensive Dominance: Tribble has played a key role in a defensive unit that has led the Great American Conference in total defense in 11 of the last 13 seasons and in rushing defense for 12 consecutive seasons.
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2025 Success: In 2025, Tribble helped orchestrate a defense that led all of NCAA Division II in scoring defense, allowing just 10.8 points per game, and powered the team to a school-record tying 15 wins.
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Player Development: Has coached 12 First Team All-GAC defensive backs, including All-Americans Daylan Markham, Jacory Nichols, Cade Pugh, and Ty Dugger. Dugger, a 2025 All-American, finished his career ranked second in Harding history in interception return yards.
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Special Teams Excellence: As the longtime special teams coordinator, Tribble coached nine First Team All-GAC special teams players, including All-Americans John Gay, Corey Bassett, and Braden Jay.
BEFORE HARDING
Tribble spent six months as a graduate assistant at Southwestern Oklahoma State before joining the Harding coaching staff in 2012.
PLAYING CAREER
In his four-year career as a Bison defensive back (2008-11), Tribble played in 41 games, recording 172 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, and three interceptions. He was an ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District honoree in 2010.
Tribble started three seasons as a quarterback, free safety, and wide receiver for coach Tommy Shoemaker at Harding Academy. He was a two-time All-Conference selection and earned All-State honors as a senior. Tribble was named the White County Offensive Player of the Year, was a finalist for the Hooton’s Arkansas Class 3A Offensive Player of the Year, and played in the Arkansas High School All-Star Game.
EDUCATION
Tribble graduated from Harding in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in kinesiology.
FAMILY
Tribble is married to the former Amy Mare of Valrico, Florida. The couple has one daughter, Shyla.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2026-present: Harding, defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach
2018-2025: Harding, co-defensive coordinator/special teams coordinator/defensive backs coach
2012-2017: Harding, defensive backs coach
2012: Southwestern Oklahoma State, graduate assistant
PLAYING EXPERIENCE
2008-11: Harding, defensive back
2005-07: Harding Academy (Arkansas), quarterback/wide receiver/defensive back
