HENDERSON, Tennessee — After serving the last five years as the assistant coach, Grant Burns will take over as the head coach for the defending NAIA National Champion Lion basketball team. “Faces and names may change, but the standard remains the same,” Burns said.
Burns has been a vital part of Freed-Hardeman’s success since joining the staff, helping FHU to a 141-33 record. The past three seasons have been some of the best with Burns assisting the team to a record of 97-11 and two national championships. The Lions have also won the last four Mid-South Conference tournament championships, the first time in league history that any team has won more than two consecutive tournament titles.
Athletic director Jonathan Estes said of his new bench boss, “We are thrilled to welcome Grant Burns as the next head men’s basketball coach at Freed-Hardeman University. Grant has bled maroon as a student-athlete and assistant coach, and he has earned this moment.”
As the defensive coordinator, Burns is the architect of the Lions’ defensive pressure. In the 2025-26 campaign, FHU allowed the lowest field-goal percentage in the country and the second-lowest points-per-game allowed in the nation. He has helped maintain a culture of discipline, accountability, and competitive excellence while mentoring student-athletes to succeed academically, athletically, and personally.
Planning to pick up where outgoing coach Drew Stutts left off, Burns is thankful for the opportunity, saying, “I want to give a huge thank you to Coach Stutts! Without him taking a chance on me, I wouldn’t be getting this opportunity. The lessons and experiences that I’ve been able to learn from him are what you can only hope for. He has been tremendous to work for and I thank him for the foundation and standard that he has set for our program. He is a great mentor and even better friend.”
Burns was twice selected as the Mid-South Conference’s Assistant Coach of the Year, first in 2023-24, and again in 2025-26.
Outgoing FHU President David R. Shannon said, “Grant Burns wasn’t handed a championship program — he helped build one. His basketball acumen, track record of success, and commitment to faith-driven leadership made him the clear choice.”
Freed-Hardeman President-elect Dr. Keith Harris said of the new head coach, “Championship programs are sustained by people who embrace both the responsibility and the standard that comes with them. Grant Burns has demonstrated, year after year, that he is fully invested in both. His leadership, vision for the future, and commitment to excellence make it clear that he is the right person for this program. What makes this moment so special is that Coach Burns understands what it takes to succeed at the highest level – not just in wins and titles, but in developing student-athletes of high character and integrity. I am excited to see how he leads these young men and continues to elevate Freed-Hardeman basketball in the years ahead.”
During his tenure as assistant coach, he saw four different players selected as NAIA All-Americans, including two first-team selections.
Estes continued, “He has been part of building a national championship culture from the inside, and we have every confidence he will lead this program with the same excellence, faith, and toughness that has defined what FHU basketball looks like. The next chapter starts now — and we couldn’t be more excited about the man leading it.”
No stranger to Henderson, Burns is an alumnus of Chester County High School before continuing his academic and athletic career at Freed-Hardeman, graduating with a degree in business administration in 2021.
Burns offered thanks to the administration, saying, “I want to thank our Athletic Director, Coach Estes, President Harris, as well as President Shannon. The opportunity they are entrusting me with I do not take lightly. They have shown great leadership, support, and belief and I am excited to carry on the winning tradition that has been set!”
Coach Burns is married to Megan, and they have one son, Bentley. They attend the Campbell Street Church of Christ in Jackson.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. Located in Henderson, Tennessee, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.
