East Texas Baptist University Athletics

Proffitt takes over as the second head coach of the Tiger Bass Fishing team in 2026 after a stellar career as a collegiate angler. He is handed a strong program from Cameron Burger who guided the program for 10 years and left to take a job closer to family as Director of Outdoor Pursuits and Lake Management at Freestone Lake and Golf in Fairfield, Texas. 

"We are beyond excited to welcome Kaden Proffitt back to ETBU as the next head coach for Tiger Bass Fishing. I could not think of a more ideal candidate to step into the role of Head Bass Fishing Coach at ETBU. Kaden has been an integral part of the program during his time on the team and while serving as a graduate assistant coach. His passion, expertise, commitment to excellence, and desire to use the sport of fishing to invest in the lives of young men in a Christ-centered environment is the perfect match for ETBU," says ETBU Senior Vice President for Campus LIfe Ryan Erwin.

Proffitt, the 2022 MLF National Champion with teammate Cason Ragsdale, takes over the program he was a part of for five years as an angler and graduate assistant.  He brought the program their first national championship and qualified for the MLF National Tournament in 2021, 2022, 2023 and the Bassmaster’s Tournament in 2022 (20th).

"I am so grateful to Cameron, Ryan Erwin, and Dr. Blackburn for giving me the opportunity to come back to The Hill as a coach. I grew a lot, both as a person and as a fisherman, in my five years under Cam’s leadership, and I cannot wait to see what God has planned for this next chapter of my life and of the ETBU Bass Team," says Proffitt.
 
In 2023, he started KP Fishing Guide Service in Marshall, Texas, taking clients and families around East Texas lakes for fishing trips.  His tours and knowledge of the lakes have led to his clients coming away with a great fishing experience.  
 
He graduated from ETBU in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in business administration and in 2023 with a Master of Business Administration. He is married to Ardyn and they have one son.  The Proffitt's reside in Marshall and attend Immanuel Baptist Church in Marshall.