AT HARDING
Neil Evans returned to his alma mater as the linebackers coach in January 2026. A championship-winning head coach with deep ties to the Searcy community, Evans brings a proven track record of developing student-athletes and building winning cultures.
This marks Evans' second stint on the Bison coaching staff. He previously served as the assistant offensive line coach from 2009-2010, where he assisted with practice planning, film breakdown, and recruiting in southwest Arkansas.
BEFORE HARDING
Evans joins the Bisons following a dynasty-building tenure at Harding Academy. As the head football coach from 2016-2023, Evans compiled a remarkable 95-21 record, establishing the Wildcats as the premier high school program in the state.
Harding Academy Highlights:
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Four State Championships: Led the Wildcats to state titles in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023.
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State Runner-Up: Guided the team to a state finals appearance in 2022.
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Coach of the Year: A two-time Coach of the Year recipient and four-time finalist.
Prior to his return to Searcy, Evans served as the head coach at Foreman (Ark.) High School (2015-16) and Mobile Christian School (2011-14) in Mobile, Alabama. At Mobile Christian, he orchestrated a turnaround, leading the team to a 23-13 record over three years and setting a school record for points scored in a season (474) in 2013.
His coaching resume also includes a stop as the Co-Defensive Coordinator and Secondary Coach at Central Arkansas Christian (2014-15).
Evans holds a career head coaching record of 119-44.
PLAYING CAREER
Evans was a member of the Harding football team as a center in 2007 and 2008.
EDUCATION
Evans earned his Bachelor of Science in Health, Kinesiology, and Coaching from Harding University in 2010. He added a Master of Arts in Education from Harding in 2020. He holds teaching certifications in Arkansas and Alabama.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2026-present: Harding, linebackers coach
2016-2023: Harding Academy, head coach
2015-2016: Foreman (Ark.) HS, head coach
2014-2015: Central Arkansas Christian, co-defensive coordinator/secondary
2011-2014: Mobile Christian (Ala.), head coach
2010-2011: Mobile Christian (Ala.), assistant coach (linebackers/special teams)
2009-2010: Harding, assistant offensive line coach
PLAYING EXPERIENCE
Harding, center (2007-08)
