Bearkats Hire Interim Duo After Longo Departure

Sam Houston University fans face a new coaching staff after the administration dismissed head coach Phil Longo on Wednesday. The school appointed associate head coach Eric Raisbeck and defensive coordinator Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay as interim co-head coaches for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Longo finished his tenure with a 3-17 record over two seasons. The Bearkats went 1-11 in Conference USA play and have not beaten an FBS opponent. The team dropped its final game of the recent stretch 24-3 to Missouri State on Tuesday, marking its ninth consecutive loss against FBS competition.

Athletic director Bobby Williams said the change was necessary to help the program compete consistently in the conference. Williams noted that Longo contributed as both an offensive coordinator and head coach. He stated that the university and student-athletes expect the team to meet higher standards in the future.

Longo took over the FBS head coaching job shortly after being let go as Wisconsin's offensive coordinator. He replaced K.C. Keeler, who guided the Bearkats to an FCS national championship in Spring 2021. Under Keeler, the team went 10-3 and secured its first bowl victory after moving to the FBS level two years earlier.

Longo previously served as an offensive coordinator under Keeler from 2014 to 2016. During that period, the team won two Southland Conference titles and reached the FCS national semifinal. As head coach, Longo's offense ranked last in Conference USA both years. The Bearkats averaged 322.8 yards per game in 2026 and scored only three points in three of their four conference matches.