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- calendar_today October 29, 2026
Sam Houston Parts Ways with Phil Longo Amid Struggles
Sam Houston State University has dismissed head football coach Phil Longo following a disappointing 1-7 start to the 2026 season. The school announced the decision on Wednesday, citing the program’s performance as a primary reason for the change in leadership.
Coaching Tenure and Team Performance
Phil Longo served as the Bearkats' head coach for two seasons, accumulating a 3-17 overall record. Under his direction, the team went 1-11 in Conference USA action and lost nine straight games to FBS opponents. The Bearkats are currently ranked No. 131 nationally in scoring offense, averaging just 12.1 points per game against FBS competition this season. Since joining the FBS and Conference USA in 2023, the program has a cumulative record of 16-29.
Interim Leadership Announced
Following Longo’s dismissal, associate head coach Eric Raisbeck and defensive coordinator Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay have been appointed as interim co-head coaches. The university intends for this leadership team to guide the Bearkats through the remainder of the season while evaluating future options.
Athletic Department Statement and Expectations
Sam Houston athletic director Bobby Williams expressed gratitude for Longo’s contributions, noting his roles both as an offensive coordinator and a head coach. "Our responsibility is to evaluate the program's performance and direction. After careful review, I believe a change in leadership is necessary to position Bearkat Football to compete consistently in Conference USA and meet the expectations of our student-athletes, university and supporters," Williams stated.
Background: Program and Coaching Transitions
Longo took over for longtime head coach K.C. Keeler, who led Sam Houston from 2014 to 2024. Keeler guided the Bearkats to four conference titles and an FCS national championship in the spring of 2021 before departing for Temple University in 2024. Sam Houston moved up to the FBS as a Conference USA member in 2023. Longo had previously worked under Keeler and served as offensive coordinator at Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Ole Miss prior to earning his first FBS head coach position at Sam Houston. In his 2025 debut, Longo's Bearkats went 2-10, including wins over Oregon State and Delaware.
Looking Ahead for the Bearkats
The Bearkats are currently idle this week and will return to action with a road game at Jacksonville State on November 7. With interim head coaches at the helm, the program looks to navigate the remainder of a challenging season, with potential changes on the horizon for Sam Houston football and its staff.
Source: abc13.com.
