MARSHALL, Texas – East Texas Baptist University Head Men's Soccer Coach
Chris Crawford has announced his retirement from collegiate coaching but will continue serving as Assistant Vice President for University Operations at ETBU.
Jordan Burke, who has served as Associate Head Men's Soccer Coach for the past three seasons, has been named the new head coach effective immediately.
"I am beyond thankful to Coach Crawford and his commitment to building and maintaining a Christ-centered culture within the ETBU Soccer program over the past three years. His unwavering pursuit of integrating athletics, faith, and academics with his student-athletes is exactly what we desire from our coaching staff at ETBU," Senior Vice President for Campus Life
Ryan Erwin said.
Crawford has served as head coach for six years, coaching 2016-18 and 2024-26, earning 51 wins and leading the program to its first two NCAA Division III postseason victories. He has produced 31 All-ASC players, including three ASC Freshmen of the Year and two Offensive Players of the Year. One of the top seasons in program history in the NCAA Division III era came in 2018 with 10 wins. ETBU's success in the past three years has included two ASC Offensive Players of the Year,
Junior Lopez and
Joshua Daley.
"I am beyond grateful to have been given the opportunity to lead this program twice at ETBU. The bonds that were created with current players, former players, and all the coaches in my time will be something I cherish forever. Stepping down from coaching is something that is extremely hard and painful, but when the Lord calls you to go where you need to go you must follow. I am looking forward to being a dad and husband and spending time with my family," says Crawford. "I am excited about the future of ETBU Men's Soccer under Coach Burke's leadership and can't wait to cheer them on. Go Tigers."
Taking over for ETBU is a familiar face in Burke, who has been on the sideline as the Associate Head Coach for the past three years. His recruiting efforts have helped ETBU to 26 wins over the past three years, along with numerous ASC awards. In addition, he served as an assistant coach at ETBU from 2020-2022. Burke played for the Tigers from 2014-2018 starting in 63 games and serving as a three-year captain for ETBU. He was also a three-time ASC All-Academic honoree, a three-time All-ASC award winner, and was ETBU's nominee for the ASC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Award in 2018. Burke and his wife, Kennedy, who serves as the Head Girls' Soccer Coach at Marshall High School, reside in Marshall and attend New Beginnings Baptist Church.
"I am excited to announce
Jordan Burke as the new head coach for the Tiger Men's Soccer program. "Jordan is a product of ETBU and has been an integral part of the program for the past three seasons. His passion for faith-based athletics and his philosophy for developing student-athletes, both on and off the field, makes him a perfect fit for ETBU Soccer," Erwin added. "We are looking forward to the future of the Tiger Men's Soccer program under Coach Burke's leadership. I am confident in Jordan's abilities to lead the program because of his wealth of experience and familiarity with ETBU, as well as his commitment to excellence and discipleship."
Burke adds, "It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to lead ETBU Men's Soccer as Head Coach. Having called ETBU home since 2014, this opportunity is especially meaningful to me. I am grateful for the chance to continue building upon the strong foundation that has already been established within this program. I want to thank the administration for their trust and confidence in me, as well as the players, coaches, alumni, and supporters who make ETBU Men's Soccer such a special program to be a part of."
ETBU is coming off a nine-win season that included its first 4-0 start since 2000.
ASC MAJOR AWARDS UNDER CRAWFORD
2026: ASC Offensive Player of the Year:
Joshua Daley
2025: Offensive Freshman of the Year:
Lars Clark (F)
2024: Offensive Player of the Year:
Junior Lopez
2024: Freshman Offensive Player of the Year:
Junior Lopez
2024: Freshman Defensive Player of the Year:
Ryan Lord
JORDAN BURKE PLAYING AWARDS
ASC All-Academic Team: 2015, 2016, 2017
All-ASC Third Team: 2017
All-ASC Honorable Mention: 2015, 2016
ASC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Nominee: 2018
