Lynn Watkins Named Head Men's Golf Coach at Bethel University

McKENZIE (August 4) — Bethel University Vice President of Athletics Derek Horne announced Tuesday the hiring of Lynn Watkins as the new head coach of the Wildcats' men's golf program.

Watkins begins his first collegiate coaching position following a distinguished 40-year career in education and administration, bringing more than five decades of golf experience, proven leadership and deep roots in the McKenzie community.

A lifelong resident of McKenzie, Watkins earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. He retired in June 2023 after an accomplished career with the McKenzie Special School District, where he served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and director of schools.

He and his wife, Molly Beth, are the proud parents of three adult children—Mitchell (Katie), Rebekah (Carter), and Paul (Stephanie)—and grandparents to Porter, Miller, and Mollie.

Watkins has enjoyed the game of golf for more than 50 years and has maintained a longstanding relationship with Bethel University through friendships with alumni, faculty, staff and supporters. Encouraged by Bethel golf coaches John Austin and Larry Joe Smith, Watkins accepted the opportunity to lead the Wildcats program.

"I've always felt that Bethel University has been a part of my life," Watkins said. "Many of my closest friends are Bethel alumni, and I worked alongside so many Bethel graduates throughout my career in education. This is an opportunity to give back to a university that has given so much to our community."

Watkins said he is eager to invest in the lives of Bethel's student-athletes while continuing to build a competitive golf program.

"I look forward to developing lifelong relationships with our student-athletes, especially getting to know our international players and learning about their backgrounds and cultures," Watkins said. "Most of all, I'm excited to add to the list of people who call me 'Coach.'"

Horne believes Watkins' leadership background and passion for mentoring young people make him an ideal fit for the program.

"First, we would like to thank Coach John Austin for the outstanding work he did leading our men's program to new heights of success, and we wish him the very best," Horne said. "We are extremely proud and excited to name Coach Watkins as our new head coach. He has been an influential part of this city and region throughout his entire life.

"His love for the game of golf, his commitment to developing young people, and his proven leadership skills make him an outstanding fit for our program and for Bethel University."

Watkins inherits a men's golf program that has established itself as one of the Mid-South Conference's top contenders and looks forward to continuing that tradition while helping student-athletes succeed both on the course and in the classroom.