James Miller is in his eighth year as the head coach of Reinhardt after leading the Eagles to the NAIA national championship game in his first season (2017) and three trips to the NAIA Football Championship Series in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
A former football player at Virginia Tech, Miller has been with the Eagles since 2014, and has served as the program’s recruiting coordinator in addition to being in charge of the offensive line.
The Eagles (9-1 in 2020) hope to build on last year, where they made yet another appearance in the NAIA Football Championship Series Quarterfinals. Reinhardt is the five-time defending Appalachian Division champions within the Mid-South Conference.
The offense was 10th in the country while averaging 40.5 points per outing, and the Eagle defense gave up 16.2 points per game (ninth in the NAIA).
In 11 games in 2020, the Reinhardt offense continued to be a powerhouse in the running game, averaging 339.2 yards each time out – by far the No. 1 rushing attack in the NAIA. The Eagles were nearly just as strong on the defensive side of the ball in 2018 as well, as the hometown team was fourth in points allowed (16.3) and second in total defense (261.2 yards per game).
The national championship run four years ago was aided by smothering defense – No. 1 in the nation at 14.6 points each time out – and 43.6 tallies on offense per game. Reinhardt scored 65 rushing touchdowns in 2017, and was once again tops in the nation with 342.2 yards on average (4,449 total).
During the aforementioned season, both center Xavier Carter (second-straight season) and defensive end Tevin McCoy were chosen to the first and second team All-American lists, respectively. Carter was joined on the AP NAIA All-America first team by fellow offensive lineman Trey Coney.
In 2016, Miller's offensive line helped the Eagles' offense gain 550 total yards a game (2nd in the nation) and 360 rushing yards a game (1st in the nation). Miller's bunch allowed a combined ten sacks all season. Miller also had four linemen earn all conference honors (Xavier Carter, Jesse Dyer, Scooter Williams, and Tre Coney) and one All-American (Carter).
In 2015, Miller's offensive line, led by four all-conference performers (Sherrod Mitchell, Joe Cannon, Brandon Cheatham, and Carter), helped RU gain 568 yards per game (2nd in the nation). Miller's bunch only allowed three sacks on the season; fewest in the country.
Miller’s offensive line was solid for Reinhardt in 2014, opening holes for the running game to average 294 yards per contest, while also allowing an NAIA-low six sacks on the season. Miller coached four more all-conference players (Nick Lawson, Clay Swint, Mitchell, and Cannon). He also helped to prepare all the scouting reports for runs against various defensive fronts.
Miller started his coaching career at Ft. Lauderdale High School in 2005, where he was the program’s running game coordinator. After three months as an assistant to the athletic director at UNC-Pembroke, Miller returned to Virginia Tech to complete his Master’s degree while working as a graduate assistant with the Hokies. His work with the offensive line helped the Hokies to the 2006 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the 2008 Orange Bowl, with VT winning the ACC title in 2007.
Miller went back to UNC-Pembroke in 2008, where he was the defensive line coach through 2013. The team ranked in the Top 20 in NCAA Division II in scoring defense from 2008-10, with the defensive line recording 226 tackles for a loss and 106 sacks.
For one season, Miller was the running game coordinator and offensive line coach at Clark Atlanta University. The team averaged 208 yards per game running the ball in 2013, a 40-yard improvement over 2012.
As a player, Miller was a standout offensive lineman for the Hokies, playing in 46 games with 21 starts. The Hokies went to four-straight bowl games and compiled a 36-16 record while Miller was on the team.
Coach Miller is married to Lauren Jones Miller and they have two sons, Keegan and Deacon.
Tyler Hennes is entering his third season as the Play Caller for the Reinhardt University Football team. Coach Hennes brings 18 years of coaching experience spanning from FCS, D2, JUCO, NAIA, and High School. Before coming to RU, Coach Hennes spent one season at Ottawa University (Kansas), where he was the Offensive Coordinator and the Quarterbacks Coach.
Before Ottawa, Hennes spent four seasons at NCAA Division II, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he was the Offensive Coordinator and the Special Teams Coordinator with the Bulldog football program. In his three seasons with SWOSU, the Bulldogs finished in the top five in the GAC in passing yards per game. In 2021, SWOSU averaged 249.5 yards through the air, good for fourth in the GAC. Hennes coached four All-GAC selections at receiver and had a player invited to a free agent minicamp with the Kansas City Chiefs following the 2018 season.
Before coaching at SWOSU, Hennes spent the 2017 season coaching wide receivers at Dodge City Community College (DCCC). Two of his receivers earned All-KJCCC honors. Prior to his stop at DCCC, Hennes was on the staff for the 2014 and 2015 seasons at Southeastern Louisiana University. He coached the running backs in 2013 before moving to tight ends in 2014 and he served as Southeastern’s pro liaison.
Hennes was part of the coaching staff at his alma mater, Emporia State University (ESU), in the spring of 2013 where he coached the receivers and tight ends. He was also the recruiting coordinator.
Before his time at ESU, Hennes was the quarterback coach and passing game coordinator at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) for three seasons from 2010 to 2012. Hennes helped develop two All-Ohio Valley Conference quarterbacks, including an OVC Freshman of the Year.
Hennes spent two seasons on the staff at Delta State University, coaching running backs and helping the Statesman to an NCAA Division II runner-up finish in 2010. He also was the recruiting coordinator and helped with NCAA compliance.
Hennes was a member of the Independence Community College football program in 2003 and 2004 as a quarterback. He transferred to Emporia Stata University where he was a member of the football team in 2005 and 2006. Hennes graduated ESU with a degree in social studies. He earned his masters in higher education administration from Southeast Missouri State University in 2011.
Coach Alexander is a resolute and dynamic coach with a proven record of developing student-athletes on and off the field. With coaching and playing experience across multiple collegiate programs, Coach Alexander brings a diverse and disciplined approach to team building, player development, and competitive excellence.
A product of Clark Atlanta University, Coach Alexander began his journey in college athletics as a student-athlete, where he honed his understanding of the game and developed a deep appreciation for mentorship and leadership. He transitioned into coaching with a mission to give back to the next generation of athletes.
Throughout his career, he has held key roles at institutions such as Edward Waters University, Chowan University, Texas College, Panhandle State University, and Keiser University, contributing to programs with 5 All-Americans also had a Cliff Harris Award winning also a 2024 National champion Runner–up. Coach Alexander has broad experience recruiting top talent and implementing high-performance training systems. His coaching style emphasizes accountability, resilience, and team cohesion, creating an environment where athletes are empowered to succeed both in competition and in life.
Whether developing game strategy or guiding student-athletes through personal growth, Coach Alexander remains committed to excellence, integrity, and the long-term success of his players and programs.
Coach Alexander is married to Iquana Alexander they have four children.
Keon McGhee is entering his first season as the Defensive Backs Coach for the Reinhardt University football program.
McGhee joins the coaching staff after a standout playing career at Reinhardt. In just two seasons with the Eagles, McGhee earned First Team All-AAC honors in both 2023 and 2024. He was named the Appalachian Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 and was also recognized as an Associated Press First Team All-American.
During his two-year career at Reinhardt, McGhee totaled 91 tackles, 9 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, and 17 pass breakups, establishing himself as one of the top defensive players in the NAIA. Before transferring to Reinhardt, McGhee played at Kentucky Wesleyan College.
Rob Armstrong has been the Head Football Coach at eight different high schools in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama during his 34-year career. He was the Offensive Coordinator at Clark Atlanta University in 2013.
He played at Troy State University from 1988-1991, where he was a defensive lineman.
Rob has been married for 26 years to Amber Armstrong. They have 2 sons, Kurt, a sophomore offensive lineman at Mercer University, and Kase, a freshman infielder at Reinhardt.