Sam Houston Fires Phil Longo After 3-17 Start

Sam Houston fired head coach Phil Longo on Oct. 28, 2026. The announcement followed a 24-3 loss to Missouri State on Oct. 27. Longo finished 3-17 in two seasons. He went 2-10 in 2025. Sam Houston stood 1-7 and 0-4 in Conference USA in 2026. Athletic director Bobby Williams said, "Phil has contributed to Bearkat football as both an offensive coordinator and head coach, and we appreciate his work with our student-athletes." Williams said, "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." Eric Raisbeck and Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay were named interim co-head coaches for the rest of the season. Longo was hired in December 2024, replacing K.C. Keeler who left for Temple. Longo had served as Sam Houston offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2016. CONTESTED: The record shows no disagreement among sources on the 3-17 record, the Oct. 28 firing date, or the interim co-head coaches. The university has not named a permanent successor.