Dave Campbell’s Texas Football reported Wednesday morning, and the Howard Payne athletic office has confirmed that head football coach Kevin Bachtel is stepping down and returning to Edgewood High School, where he formerly served in the same position.

Bachtel officially tendered his resignation on Tuesday.

The DCTF article stated Bachtel desired to return closer to his family in East Texas. During his time at Edgewood, Bachtel posted a 40-17 record in five seasons with a district championship.

Bachtel joined the HPU staff when his brother, Jason, was named head coach in 2021. After spending two years as defensive coordinator, Bachtel replaced his brother as head coach when Jason joined the staff at Houston Christian University.

In two seasons as head coach, Bachtel led HPU to an 8-12 record.