Sam Houston fires head coach Phil Longo after 3-17 record through two seasons

The Sam Houston Bearkats announced a change in leadership Wednesday.

Less than 24 hours after losing 24-3 to Missouri State on Weekday CUSA, Sam Houston parted ways with head coach Phil Longo. Longo spent just 20 games as head coach in Huntsville, faring 3-17 overall and 1-11 in Conference USA play.

“Phil has contributed to Bearkat football as both an offensive coordinator and head coach, and we appreciate his work with our student-athletes,” Sam Houston athletic director Bobby Williams said in a statement. “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.”

Longo finished his second tenure in Huntsville. He previously served as Sam Houston’s offensive coordinator from 2014-16, back when the Bearkats were an FCS program. Longo also served as offensive coordinator at Ole Miss (2017-18), North Carolina (2019-22), and Wisconsin (2023-24). He was fired from Wisconsin on Nov. 17, 2024, and one month later on Dec. 18, 2024, he was named head coach of Sam Houston. Longo succeeded K.C. Keeler, who guided the Bearkats to a 10-3 season in 2024, their second year as an FBS institution.

Longo finished his first season at Sam Houston with a 2-10 record. The Bearkats were burdened by several obstacles, including massive roster turnover following Keeler’s departure and the lack of a home stadium. Due to construction at Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Sam Houston played its home games 70 miles south of campus in downtown Houston.

Stability returned to Sam Houston’s program in 2026 as Bowers Stadium reopened after the renovations. However, the Bearkats remain in the basement of the CUSA. While the team was competitive against Troy, Tulsa, and even Texas Tech for a half during a 1-3 showing in non-conference play, Sam Houston struggled mightily once the conference slate commenced. The Bearkats are currently 1-7 and 0-4 in CUSA play, still devoid of a win over FBS competition. They failed to score a single touchdown in three of their last four games, falling 35-3 to Liberty, 16-3 to WKU, and 24-3 to Missouri State.

At the time of the coaching change, Sam Houston ranks 131st in scoring, 124th in total offense, and 138th in rushing offense. Longo held play-calling duties for the offense.

Sam Houston moves forward with co-interim head coaches. Defensive coordinator Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay and special teams coordinator Eric Raisbeck will split duties in an unconventional setup. There is no documented history of an FBS program using co-head coaches throughout the 21st century.

The Bearkats resume action under Aughtry-Lindsay and Raisbeck on Nov. 7 against Jacksonville State.

Longtime Sam Houston athletic director Bobby Williams will retire Jun. 1, 2027, so the next head coach will operate under new leadership.