The Howard Payne University football program announced today that Cade Gray has joined the staff as the Yellow Jackets’ new defensive line coach.

Cade Gray comes to Howard Payne from Edgewood High School, where he served as an assistant football coach for the past four seasons (2018-2021).

“We are excited to add Cade Gray to our family, and look forward to seeing the great relationships he will build,” said Jason Bachtel head football coach.  “Cade brings with him a great amount of experience and we know he is going to help us build our program.”

During his time at Edgewood, Coach Gray developed five First-team All-District linebackers. There he also served under current HPU Defensive Coordinator, Kevin Bachtel, who was previously Edgewood’s head coach.

“I’m very excited to get the opportunity to coach at Howard Payne University and get the opportunity to work with a great group of players and coaches,” said Cade Gray.  “My family and I are excited to be here and can’t wait to see what this great opportunity brings.”

Before Edgewood, Coach Gray worked one season (2017-2018) at Christian Heritage Classical School as the defensive coordinator helping lead them to a district championship.

After graduation from East Texas Baptist University in 2017, Coach Gray spent time at Spring Hill Junior High in Longview, Texas before moving to Christian Heritage.

Gray holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from East Texas Baptist University. He is married to Meagan and they have a daughter, Marilyn.