By Bert Lunay
12/1/2024
HUNTSVILLE – Sam Houston head coach K.C. Keeler will step down as Bearkat head coach, effective immediately, after 11 seasons leading the football program.
Pending a bowl invitation, offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen will serve as interim head coach for the Bearkats’ first bowl appearance at the FBS level.
Keeler took over the Bearkat program prior to the 2014 season after head coaching stops at Rowan and Delaware and has posted a 97-39 record in his time in Huntsville. He has posted a winning record in 10 of 11 years and led the program to the FCS national championship in the spring of 2021 before navigating the Kats through its transition to the FBS and Conference USA.
After going 3-9 in its first season at the FBS level in 2023, Keeler directed the Kats to a 9-3 record in 2024, leading the program to bowl eligibility for the first time and narrowly missing out on a berth in the Conference USA Championship game.
A search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
QUOTE FROM BOBBY WILLIAMS
Bearkat Football has been very blessed to have had a Hall of Fame coach like K.C. Keeler lead our program. He has had such a positive impact on our program since his arrival and I want to thank Coach Keeler for what he has done for our football program and entire athletic department.
I have a great sense of pride regarding all the successes our program has achieved on the field, in the classroom and community in the last 11 years under his leadership. K.C. has tirelessly worked to embrace and enhance the environment for all our student-athletes at Sam Houston.
We have faced a number of challenges over the years, and I believe we have worked very well together throughout each challenge. Along the way we have developed a strong professional leadership group and personal friendship. I am very happy for K.C. and Janice to have the opportunity to be closer to family and their home.
COURTESY SAM HOUSTON STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
