The University of Virginia's College at Wise Athletics

Bass is entering his second season at the helm for the Highland Cavaliers. In his first season at UVA Wise the Highland Cavaliers had the best overall record since joining the South Atlantic Conference, winning the most division II contests since 2018. Ian Scammell and Seth Fischbach were chosen as All South Atlantic performers for their efforts in 2024. They were one of the most disciplined football programs in country ranking 26th in the country in fewest penalties while increasing the team GPA to a 2.96 after this past spring semester. 

Bass came to UVA Wise after 7 years as the Head Coach at Quincy University of the Great Lakes Valley Conference. He was at QU in 12 years overall. In 2023, Bass’ final year, he showed to have turned the tide for the program, earning the program’s first winning season in 10 years.  

In 2018, Bass' second season at the helm, the Hawks finished with a 4-7 record. 10 Hawks were named to All-GLVC teams for the second straight year, led by linebacker Cody Leonard who was also named First Team All-GLVC for the second straight year. Leonard broke the single-season record for solo tackles and total tackles during the 2018 campaign as he finished with 88 and 168, respectively.  
 
Bass served as Interim Head Coach in 2017.  The Hawks finished the season 3-8 in Bass' first season. 10 Hawks were named to All-GLVC teams led by linebacker Cody Leonard who was named First-Team All-GLVC.    
 
He served as the offensive line coach in his first three seasons before being named the offensive coordinator in July 2015. In January 2017, he was named the assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator before his promotion to interim head coach was announced May 7, 2017. 
 
As the Quincy University Offensive Coordinator the Hawks reached all-time highs. In 2016, the Hawks' offense finished in the top three of 10 statistical categories in the GLVC, including scoring, total offense, rushing offense, passing offense, pass efficiency, sacks against, first downs, third down conversion rate, time of possession and red zone touchdowns. In 2015 and 2016, the Hawks amassed 13 All-GLVC performers, four Don Hansen all-region performers and one Don Hanson All-American. The Hawks also set 16 school offensive records in the past two seasons. 
 
In 2014, with Bass serving as the offense's run game coordinator, Chris Harris was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Freshman of the Year after gaining 972 yards on the ground with 17 touchdowns. All that came with three freshmen seeing significant time in the trenches. In a win over Southwest Baptist, Harris ran for a school and conference-record seven touchdowns and 218 yards. Center Eli Thom and left tackle Kyle Lomprez were each named All-GLVC performers. 
  
Bass came to Quincy University from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Mo. where he spent two seasons. While there, he coached the offensive line and assisted with the strength and conditioning program. As the offensive line coach, he had three All-MIAA selections and an All-America selection. He helped guide an offense that broke three MSSU offensive school records including points in a single game (68) and offensive yards in a single game (672).   
  
Prior to MSSU, he worked at East Rowan High School in Salisbury, N.C. for three years where he served as the assistant head coach, offensive coordinator, offensive line coach and strength and conditioning coordinator. While there, ERHS made the NCHSAA playoffs two times. 
  
He attended Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C., majoring in marketing. He started on the offensive line for three seasons. With Bass on the line, Catawba won the South Region championship, three SAC championships, made three trips to the Division II playoffs and compiled a 47-15 record. 
  
A native of Marion, N.C., Bass attended McDowell High School. He is married to Melaney Bass from Geddes, S.D. The couple have a daughter, Lyla, and son, Jackson.