| Year: | 1960 |
| Team: | Lenoir Rhyne Bears |
| Sport: | football |
| Conference: | North State Conference |
| Short Conf: | NSC |
| Aprank: | 2 (AP small college) |
| Coachrank: | 3 (UPI small college) |
| Record: | 11–0–1 |
| Conf Record: | 6–0 |
| Head Coach: | Clarence Stasavich |
| Hc Year: | 15th |
| Stadium: | Lenoir Rhyne College Field |
| Champion: | NAIA national champion NSC champion |
| Bowl: | Holiday Bowl |
| Bowl Result: | W 15–14 vs. Humboldt State |
The 1960 Lenoir Rhyne Bears football team was an American football team represented Lenoir Rhyne College (now known as Lenoir–Rhyne University) as a member of the North State Conference (NSC) during the 1960 NAIA football season. In their 15th season under head coach Clarence Stasavich, the team compiled an 11–0–1 record (6–0 against conference opponents) and won the NSC championship. The Bears were ranked No. 2 in the final Associated Press small college poll and No. 3 in the final UPI small college coaches poll. The small college polls included both NCAA and NAIA programs. Both polls were issued before the team's post-season victories.[1] [2]
On December 3, the Bears played in the NAIA's Eastern Regional playoff. The game ended in a 20–20 tie. NAIA officials decided to award Lenoir Rhyne the Eastern berth in the Holiday Bowl (then the NAIA national championship game) based on total yards gained by in the playoff game.
In the Holiday Bowl, Lenoir Rhyne defeated Humboldt State, 15–14, to win the NAIA national championship. The Bears trailed, 14-12, late in the game after freshman kicker Marion Kirby missed two extra point tries. With 1:35 remaining in the game, Kirby kicked a game-winning field goal.
The team played its home games at Lenoir Rhyne College Field in Hickory, North Carolina.
The team was led on offense by tailback Lee Farmer. He was selected as the NSC's most valuable player for the second consecutive season.[5] Farmer scored both of Lenoir Rhyne's touchdowns in the Holiday Bowl and was named the game's most valuable player.[6]
Coach Stasavich finished second in the balloting (behind New Mexico State's Warren Woodson) for small college coach of the year.[7]