Sam Houston State University has fired head football coach Phil Longo after less than two seasons, the school announced Wednesday.
Associate head coach Eric Raisbeck and defensive coordinator Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay will serve as interim co-head coaches for the remainder of the season.
Longo compiled a 3-17 record over two seasons, including a 1-11 mark in Conference USA play. The Bearkats have yet to defeat an FBS opponent and suffered a 24-3 loss to Missouri State on Tuesday, extending their losing streak against FBS competition to nine games.
Athletic director Bobby Williams said in a statement that a change in leadership was necessary to position the program to compete consistently in Conference USA and meet expectations.
Longo was hired as a first-time FBS head coach weeks after his dismissal as Wisconsin's offensive coordinator. He succeeded K.C. Keeler, who led Sam Houston to an FCS national championship in spring 2021 and a 10-3 record with the program's first bowl win since moving to FBS.
Longo previously served as offensive coordinator under Keeler from 2014 to 2016, helping the Bearkats win two Southland Conference titles and reach the FCS semifinals. However, his offense ranked last in CUSA in both seasons as head coach, averaging just 322.8 yards per game in 2026, and the team scored only three points in three of its four conference games.
