Bearkats Fire Longo After 24-3 Loss to Missouri State

Sam Houston State dismissed head coach Phil Longo on Wednesday, ending his tenure less than two years into his first FBS head coaching position. The Bearkats fell to Missouri State 24-3 on Tuesday, marking their ninth consecutive loss against Football Bowl Subdivision opponents and leaving the team winless against FBS competition.

Associate head coach Eric Raisbeck and defensive coordinator Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay have been named interim co-head coaches for the rest of the season. Longo finished with a 3-17 record over two seasons, including a 1-11 mark in Conference USA play. His offensive unit ranked last in the conference both years, averaging 322.8 yards per game in 2026.

Athletic director Bobby Williams said in a statement that the change is necessary to position the program to compete consistently in the conference. "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. "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 joined the program weeks after being released as offensive coordinator at Wisconsin. He had previously served as offensive coordinator under K.C. Keeler from 2014 to 2016, helping guide the team to two Southland titles and an FCS semifinal appearance. Keeler led the Bearkats to an FCS national championship in Spring 2021 before departing.

The Bearkats scored only three points in three of their four conference games this season. The team now looks to stabilize its roster and strategy under the new interim leadership before the next scheduled contest.