Football Head Coach

Hershel Dennis begins his first season as Bellarmine's head football coach, bringing nine years of coaching experience and a championship pedigree to the Lions program.

A graduate of the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in sociology, Dennis was part of two NCAA national championship teams, five Rose Bowl championship teams, two Orange Bowl championship teams and five Pac-10 championship teams. He is recognized as one of the winningest collegiate football players in NCAA history.

Before joining Bellarmine, Dennis served as head football coach at Life Christian Academy for four seasons, where he was named the Nisqually League Coach of the Year in 2023. He also earned Seattle Seahawks Coach of the Week honors in 2024. His previous coaching experience includes serving as running backs coach and strength and conditioning coach at Southwest Community College and run game coordinator and running backs coach at St. Bernard High School.

Dennis was drawn to Bellarmine because its Catholic, Jesuit mission closely aligns with his own philosophy of coaching. He believes football is a powerful vehicle for developing young men both on and off the field, helping them strengthen their faith, build meaningful relationships and grow as leaders rooted in character and service.

His coaching philosophy emphasizes confidence, purpose and the positive influence every student-athlete can have on those around them. Beyond wins and losses, Dennis hopes his players leave the program with a strong sense of who they are, a commitment to serving others and the confidence to make a lasting impact on their families, their communities and their teammates.

As Bellarmine's head football coach, Dennis is committed to building a program grounded in faith, excellence and the Jesuit tradition of forming young men for and with others.