The University of Central Arkansas announced today that Coach Nathan Brown will return as Head Football Coach for the 2026 season, continuing a tenure marked by competitive success, proven player development, and a deep-rooted legacy within the program.

Coinciding with Coach Brown's ninth season, the university is making a significant commitment to supporting the football program at a championship level. As the landscape of college athletics continues to shift, the university's decision to opt into the NCAA House Settlement terms for 2026-27, paired with its commitment to revenue sharing and increased investments, demonstrates a clear focus on long-term competitiveness and stability. These steps position the university to confidently embrace this new era and provide Coach Brown and the football program with the support needed to elevate and sustain success.

Across his tenure as Head Coach leading the Bears, Coach Brown has compiled an overall record of 46–44, including a 25–22 mark in conference play. His teams have consistently had success, reaching the FCS Playoffs in 2019, claiming conference championships in 2019 and 2022, and a runner-up conference finish in 2023. But Coach Brown's impact has extended far beyond the win-loss column. Under his leadership, the program has maintained a strong commitment to academic excellence, highlighted by high graduation rates and notable academic achievements among student-athletes. His holistic approach to developing athletes on the field, in the classroom, and as leaders has remained a cornerstone of the program's identity.

Coach Brown's tenure has also produced some of the most memorable individual milestones in school history. Two Bears, Robert Rochell and David Walker, heard their names called in the NFL Draft under his guidance with Walker being the highest ever NFL draft pick from the University of Central Arkansas. These professional successes have helped elevate the program's national profile and reinforce its reputation as a place where players can grow and thrive.

Central Arkansas Athletic Director, Matt Whiting. "The last two years have brought unprecedented change in college athletics, and especially in college football. In this new era, it takes increased investment and full alignment at every level of our athletic organization. On the football field, our goals are to compete for conference championships and playoff appearances. In order to do that, we must continue to elevate resources and invest in our program in ways that match our expectations. With our decision to opt-in to the House settlement terms beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, we are doing just that." Whiting went on to say, "Coach Brown has deep and unmatched ties to the University of Central Arkansas and Central Arkansas Football. He has experienced success as a player, assistant coach, and as head coach of our football program, and he takes tremendous pride in representing the University of Central Arkansas. I have great confidence in his ability to lead our program with this increased investment and look forward to working alongside him to achieve our program goals and build upon the rich history of Central Arkansas football."

With new university commitments on revenue share, renewed momentum for the program, and a proven leader in Coach Brown, the Bears look toward the upcoming 2026 season poised to build on their foundation of success and pursue even greater heights.