Football 12/3/2025 2:59:00 PM Dr. Peter Dryer

Bowen Resigns Following Successful 10-year Tenure as Head Football Coach

Glendale, Ariz.- Arizona Christian University today announced the resignation of Head Football Coach Jeff Bowen following a successful 12-year tenure at ACU, including serving as head coach for the last 10 years and leading the Firestorm to three conference championships and two national championship series playoff appearances.

Coach Bowen had an overall record of 59-44 leading the Firestorm, and has been part of ACU Football from the very beginning. An assistant coach during the program's first two seasons, he became head coach ahead of the 2016 season and helped guide ACU through its early building years, and more than a decade of growth and development.

"We are so grateful for Coach Bowen's hard work over a dozen years to build a successful ACU football program," said ACU President Len Munsil. "His vital place in ACU Firestorm football history is secured as a successful coach who not only won championships, but more importantly, built a culture aligned with ACU's mission to grow students spiritually while competing with character and excellence. While the program will now move forward under new leadership, every future ACU coach will be building on the solid foundation laid by Coach Bowen."

As one of the program's original coaches, Bowen played a significant role in establishing the culture and expectations for Firestorm Football, helping the young program reach competitive highs that helped put ACU football on the map.

Bowen's leadership extended well beyond the win-loss column. He helped build the cultural and spiritual foundation of ACU Football, mentored thousands of student-athletes, and provided continuity and stability during the program's formative years.

Under Bowen's direction, the Firestorm delivered some memorable seasons and garnered NAIA national recognitions and achievements, including:

CSFL Conference Champions (2016)
SAC Conference Champions, NAIA Championship Series Appearance (2020, 2022)

Individually, Coach Bowen was selected as CSFL Coach of the Year in 2016, SAC Conference Coach of the Year in 2020, and in 2021 received the highest honor any NAIA coach in any sport can receive, when he was chosen from among thousands of NAIA coaches as the National Coach of Character.

"Over the past 12 years, it has been my blessing to help build one of the most successful football programs in the country," stated Coach Bowen. "In 2014, we started in January and played our first season in August. The next season we won a conference championship. And since that time, we won many conference championships, and made several playoff appearances. It was a rare feat, and one I will cherish with me as I transition into my next role. I love ACU, the coaches, players, and community. I will always be fond of my time at ACU and the impact we made on and off the field. Faith, Family, Future, Football…God bless to all and Roll Storm!"

ACU will now begin a national search for its next Head Football Coach. An interim leadership plan is in place to ensure day-to-day operations, recruiting efforts, and player support continue smoothly through the transition.

ACU expresses sincere appreciation to Coach Bowen for his long-standing dedication, leadership, and investment in the lives of Firestorm student-athletes. His influence has helped define Firestorm Football from its inception, and his contributions will remain an important part of the program's story.

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