The Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs are in turmoil just three days before their season opener, as the university has officially parted ways with first-year head coach Kris McCullough.

McCullough, who was hired after a stellar 28-10 run at Texas Permian Basin, had been suspended Monday amid off-field allegations. ESPN's Pete Thamel reported the school has now made the dismissal permanent, meaning McCullough never coached a single game for the Bulldogs.

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The timing is brutal for a program trying to build momentum. With Saturday's matchup against Wofford looming, Gardner-Webb has turned to special teams coordinator Pete Bennett to steady the ship as interim head coach.

Who Is Pete Bennett?

Bennett brings a wealth of experience from stops at North Carolina Central, Memphis, South Alabama, and Central Arkansas. His special teams units have been solid, ranking 16th in kickoff return defense and 23rd in net punting among FCS teams in 2024.

Now he faces the unenviable task of rallying a team that has lost its leader just days before kickoff. The players will need to channel any frustration into focus, especially against a Wofford squad that won't show any sympathy.

This shakeup adds to a chaotic start to the college football season, which has already seen extreme heat threatening Week 1 openers across the country.

What's Next for Gardner-Webb?

The university hasn't announced a timeline for finding a permanent replacement, but Bennett will lead the team this Saturday. Whether he can inspire an upset remains to be seen, but the Bulldogs have no choice but to move forward.

For McCullough, this is a stunning fall from grace. He was seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks, but these allegations have derailed his career before it even started at Gardner-Webb.

As the program navigates this sudden change, fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds. The situation echoes other recent controversies in college football, like the abuse claims against Rams' Puka Nacua, though that involves the NFL.

For now, all eyes are on Bennett and the Bulldogs as they prepare for an unexpected season opener under new leadership.