NEWBERG, Ore. — A new era has begun for George Fox University football, and at the helm is new head coach Spencer Crace.
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A native Oregonian from Wilsonville, Crace said it was his dream to return and coach in his home state.
“For the longest time this has been my dream job,” Crace said in an interview with George Fox Athletics’ Antonio Arredondo. “To be able to come back home to where I grew up and to lead a program at a university that loves Jesus and is unashamed of the Gospel is a dream come true.”
A dual-sport athlete at the University of Puget Sound, Crace began his coaching career at Stadium High School in Tacoma, followed by Horizon Christian High School in Tualatin, Oregon. He later served as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at Sumner High School in Sumner, Washington, where he led the team to a 32-5 record, winning two league championships and making two state semifinal appearances.
Crace launched his collegiate coaching career at his alma mater, the University of Puget Sound, where he coached quarterbacks and running backs.
In 2018, he joined Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma as offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and academic success coordinator. He was promoted to assistant head coach before the 2024 season. PLU finished that season with a 7-3 overall record and a 5-2 record in conference play, including a 24-14 victory over George Fox on Nov. 2.
Crace replaces longtime George Fox head coach and Newberg native Chris Casey, who retired in January 2025 after 11 seasons with the Bruins and 43 seasons overall. Two years after leading Aloha High School to the 6A state championship in 2011, Casey was hired to restart the George Fox football program, which had been disbanded in 1968. Under his leadership, the Bruins posted a 50-47 record.
As the new head coach, Crace said his vision for the program extends beyond wins and losses. He aims to develop leaders, instill character, and support players through life’s challenges—on and off the field.
“Coaching at George Fox over the past few weeks has been incredible,” Crace said. “I’ve met some of the most driven, hardworking young men, and I can tell they are hungry for success.”
Crace noted the strong support from the athletic administration and the George Fox community, and the university’s commitment to making football a cornerstone of its athletic culture.
“We are not an ‘either/or’ institution but a ‘both/and’ community—where winning and competing at a high level go hand in hand with academic success and spiritual growth,” said Adam Puckett, George Fox’s director of athletics.
For Puckett, Crace’s hiring was a natural fit.
“Coach Crace is a committed follower of Christ who understands that coaching is about more than just skills and strategy—it’s about shaping young men’s hearts and character,” Puckett said.
Crace said one of his biggest challenges has been managing a growing roster, as interest in the football program increases.
“We have a lot of talented recruits, but we can’t take everyone. It’s a challenge, but it’s an exciting one,” he said.
Puckett said he hopes the team’s new chapter will deepen its ties with the Newberg community and surrounding areas.
“Our hope is to see the town fully embrace George Fox football,” Puckett said. “We want our games to be a rallying point—exciting, family-friendly events that bring people together to enjoy a high level of competition and a strong sense of community.”
“This is the place to be on Saturday afternoons in the fall,” Crace said. “You don’t need to drive to Eugene or Corvallis to get a great game day college football experience. I have every intention to be fully invested in this community … to make an impact for a long time. I hope that wherever you go in Newberg and throughout the entire greater Portland area, everyone will yell ‘Go Bruins!’”
George Fox finished the 2024 season with a 4-6 overall record and a 2-5 record in conference play. The NCAA Division III football season kicks off in early September.
Learn more at the George Fox Athletics website.
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