Head Coach

Bio

O'Brian Bridges enters his third year as Head Track & Field Coach at Brenau University and serves as the Director of the Schrader Fitness Center. Since arriving at Brenau, Bridges has quickly established the Golden Tigers as a rising program within the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC).

Under Bridges' leadership, the Golden Tigers have produced conference champions, All-Conference performers, school record holders, national qualifiers, and an NAIA All-American. During the 2025-26 season, Brenau finished fourth at the AAC Indoor Track & Field Championships and improved to third place at the AAC Outdoor Championships, narrowly missing a runner-up finish by just 2.5 points. The program earned multiple conference championships, set numerous school records, and qualified athletes for both the NAIA Indoor and Outdoor National Championships.

The 2025-26 season was highlighted by Indoor All-American Madison Kitson, who was named AAC Most Outstanding Athlete during both the Indoor and Outdoor Conference Championships. Brenau athletes also captured conference titles in the 60-meter dash, high jump, race walk, 200 meters, 400 meters, long jump, triple jump, and relay events while continuing to raise the standard of excellence across the program.

Prior to Brenau, Bridges served as the Head Men's and Women's Track & Field Coach at Asbury University, where he helped launch the institution's track and field program from the ground up. In just two seasons, he led multiple student-athletes to National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championship appearances while establishing numerous school records.

Bridges also previously coached at Eastern Kentucky University, Transylvania University, Bryan Station High School, and Sharon High School. While at Eastern Kentucky, he coached NCAA Division I athletes in the sprints, jumps, and combined events, including high jumper Tequan Claitt, who became one of the nation's top performers and ranked among the world's best with a jump of 2.28m (7'5¾").

A former NCAA Division I athlete at Eastern Kentucky University, Bridges was a four-year member of the Colonels' track and field program. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Park Administration and a Master of Science in Physical Education from Eastern Kentucky University.

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Bridges oversees operations of the Schrader Fitness Center, supporting the health, wellness, and performance needs of Brenau student-athletes and the university community.

Bridges and his wife, Ta'Neshia, have two daughters, Alyah and Talia.