{"id":480464,"date":"2026-10-29T15:50:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T15:50:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/480464\/"},"modified":"2026-10-29T15:50:09","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T15:50:09","slug":"sam-houston-fires-coach-phil-longo-after-less-than-two-seasons-field-level-media-professional-sports-content-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/480464\/","title":{"rendered":"Sam Houston fires coach Phil Longo after less than two seasons – Field Level Media – Professional sports content solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sam Houston moved swiftly in making a determination on its football coach, cutting ties with Phil Longo on Wednesday after less than two seasons on the job.<\/p>\n

Longo, 1-7 this fall after a 2-10 season in 2025, finished his tenure with the Conference USA squad at 3-17, 1-11 in conference play.<\/p>\n

The former offensive coordinator of the Bearkats (2014-16) was hired as head coach after serving as Wisconsin offensive coordinator. He came in following the departure of K.C. Keeler, who guided the program during a transition from FCS football to the bowl subdivision level. <\/p>\n

\u201cPhil has contributed to Bearkat football as both an offensive coordinator and head coach, and we appreciate his work with our student-athletes,\u201d said Bobby Williams, director of athletics. \u201cOur responsibility is to evaluate the program\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keeler, now the head coach at Temple, led the Bearkats to an FCS national championship in 2021 before navigating his troops to a 10-win season in their second FBS season in 2024.<\/p>\n

The program was previously coached by Willie Fritz, who also enjoyed significant success, both at the program and since.<\/p>\n

Fritz is 6-2 this season at Houston.<\/p>\n

Keeler is 2-5 at Temple.<\/p>\n

\u2013Field Level Media<\/p>\n

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