BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - Gardner-Webb announced the addition of three new coaches to its football staff Thursday, rounding out the coaching staff for the 2012 season.

The Runnin' Bulldogs added Kurt Beathard (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach), Kyle Dickerson (running backs coach) and Alan Hensell (offensive line coach) to its staff - each with high-level Division I coaching experience in previous stops.

"With three openings on the offensive side of the ball, we targeted individuals who could bring experience and energy to our program," said head coach Ron Dickerson, Jr. "These three coaches come from excellent programs and are tremendous additions for us. We're excited to have them on board."

Beathard comes to Boiling Springs after spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach in the United Football League (UFL), working with running backs in Sacramento, Hartford, Conn., and Orlando.

Beathard, the son of legendary NFL general manager Bobby Beathard, has a wealth of Division I experience, including three seasons as an assistant coach in the Big Ten at Illinois (2007-2009). He enjoyed tremendous success as offensive coordinator on the FCS level at Eastern Kentucky (2003-2006), Bucknell (2002) and Western Carolina (1997-2001). He has also coached at Pacific, Colgate, Bloomsburg, James Madison and Louisville.

Dickerson, no relation to Gardner-Webb's head coach, joins the Runnin' Bulldogs after several season as a graduate assistant and intern in the powerful SEC - learning the profession at both Arkansas (2006-2008) and Ole Miss (2008-2011).

Dickerson played running back at Arkansas from 2001-2005, serving as the Razorbacks' team captain in 2005. He played with current NFL starters Darren McFadden (Raiders), Felix Jones (Cowboys) and Peyton Hillis (Browns), and later coached the trio as a graduate assistant.

His work with special teams at both Arkansas and Ole Miss helped produce a pair of All-America all-purpose backs in Jones and Dexter McCluster. McFadden was runner up for the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and 2008.

During his time with the Razorbacks and Rebels, Dickerson was a part of coaching staffs that participated in five bowl games - including four Cotton Bowls (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010).

Hensell also brings SEC experience to the table, having served as a graduate assistant at both Ole Miss (2007-2009, 2011) and as an offensive intern at the University of Tennessee (2010) - working with both programs' offensive line and tight ends.

The former Franklin (Ind.) quarterback and pitcher was part of a staff that developed three All-America selections and a pair of high NFL draft picks during his time in Oxford and Knoxville. Ole Miss tackle Michael Oher was a first-team All-America selection in 2008 and was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Ravens. John Jerry earned first-team All-America honors in 2009 and was a third round NFL draft pick. Tennessee center James Stone earned Freshman All-America honors in 2010.

Hensell was on staff for three bowl games - including a pair of Cotton Bowls, and also coached quarterbacks at NCAA Division III Wisconsin-River Falls (2005-2006).

The Runnin' Bulldogs are in the midst of spring practice, with the annual Spring Game set for Saturday, March 24 at noon.

Gardner-Webb opens the 2012 regular season on September 1 in Spangler Stadium vs. Wofford at 6:00 pm.