Phil Longo's Tenure at Sam Houston State Under Scrutiny Amid Losing Streak
With a 3-16 record, the Bearkats head coach faces mounting pressure as his team prepares for a critical matchup against Missouri State.
Phil Longo's time as head coach of Sam Houston State appears to be on precarious footing, with a pivotal game against Missouri State on Tuesday potentially determining his future with the team. Longo has accumulated a 3-16 record since taking the helm, a stark contrast to the successful 10-win campaign his predecessor, K.C. Keeler, achieved in 2024.
The offensive struggles have been a significant disappointment under Longo's guidance, particularly for a coach known as a disciple of the Air Raid offense. Sam Houston State is averaging a mere 13.7 points per game, ranking 133rd in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The team is also struggling with efficiency, averaging only 4.3 yards per play (131st in FBS). Despite a tendency to pass frequently, ranking high in pass attempts, the results have been poor, with the Bearkats ranking 117th in yards per pass and surrendering sacks on 8.23 percent of their snaps, the 107th-worst mark in the FBS.
Meanwhile, Missouri State, while not enjoying a dominant season, presents a more consistent offensive unit. The Bears are averaging 5.3 yards per play (80th in FBS) and have scored 62 points in their last two games. Sam Houston State enters the matchup as 6.5-point underdogs on the road.
The pressure on Longo intensifies with each loss, and this upcoming game is seen as a critical juncture for his tenure in Huntsville.