Mike Lucas, a member of head football coach Ron Randleman’s staff at SHSU since the 1987 season, has resigned as assistant head football coach and defensive coordinator to leave coaching and enter private business.During Lucas’ tenure at Sam Houston State, the Bearkats have ranked among the top 15 in national defensive statistical categories 10 times. During the 2001 season, the Bearkat defense was an important factor as Sam Houston State rolled up a 10-3 record to earn the University’s highest final NCAA Division I-AA final national ranking (7th), reach the NCAA I-AA playoff quarterfinals and win the Southland Football League co-championship. The Bearkats led the SFL in quarterback sacks (36), giving up only 22 points and 321.4 total yards per game.”This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but I have an outstanding business opportunity and believe this is the best for my family and myself,” said Lucas, who will be taking a position with M&M Design in Huntsville. SHSU’s top national defensive rankings have included fifth in total defense in 1991, ninth in 1990, and eleventh in both 1988 and 1987. The Bearkats led the Southland in rushing defense and turnover margin in 1987, were second in total defense in 1989 and 1991, and second in scoring defense in 1991 and 1993. Under Lucas’ leadership, the Bearkat defense has posted 14 school records. Last season, the Sam Houston defense set a new school mark for most turnovers in one game with eight in the Northwestern State victory.Lucas joined the SHSU staff in March 1987.
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