K. C. Keeler has been named as Sam Houston State’s 15th head football coach.
He brings a record of 174 victories, 73 losses and one tie as a head coach to Huntsville, Texas. It also allows Keeler to stay away from major college football programs. During his career, he has been rumored as a candidate for some of those jobs.
He replaces Willie Fritz, who became the coach of Georgia Southern and led Sam Houston to title games.
“This is a tremendously exciting opportunity for me and my family,” Keeler said in a story from the Sam Houston athletics website. “We’re coming to an institution that not only has enjoyed outstanding football success recently but also is growing as an academic institution.”
Keeler’s 2003 Delaware Blue Hens squad won the FCS national championship in 2003. Delaware reached the FCS Championship Game in 2007 and 2010. He was let go a year ago after a couple of difficult seasons and rumors of friction with the administration and new athletic director.
He is best known for bringing in Joe Flacco as quarterback as a transfer from the University of Pittsburgh. Flacco, who went on to win a Superbowl with the Baltimore Ravens made no bones about his disappointment with UD’s decision regarding Keeler.
In his 11 seasons at Delaware (2002 to 2012), the Blue Hens rolled up an 86-52 record. Delaware went 11-3 in the program’s four trips to the FCS playoffs.
At Rowan University in Glassboro, N. J., Keeler produced an 88-21-1 record from 1993 to 2001 that included seven NCAA Division III playoff appearances including five trips to the National Championship game. His teams posted a 21-7 record in NCAA Division III playoff action.
“I knew a little bit about Sam Houston before visiting for the interview. But after doing some research about the University, I was amazed to find that Sam Houston is a hidden gem,” Keeler said. “Meeting with the administration, the athletic staff and members of the university community, I was so impressed. With an ever-growing enrollment, outstanding academic and athletic programs and an energized alumni base, Sam Houston a perfect fit for me.”
Click here for the story from Sam Houston State:
via K. C. Keeler New Kat Head Football Coach – Sam Houston State Bearkats Athletics.
