SHSU Sports Information – Todd Whitten has been relieved of his duties as head football coach at Sam Houston State University, Bearkat athletic director Bobby Williams announced Monday.
“I appreciate the hard work that Todd Whitten and his football staff have given the university,” Williams said. “Decisions of this nature are complex. When there are so many quality people involved in addition to positive personal relationships, it is made even more difficult.”
In his five seasons at Sam Houston, Whitten has compiled a record of 25 victories and 28 losses. He produced Southland Conference runner-up squads in 2006 and 2007 but the 2005, 2008 and 2009 teams all finished in the lower half of the league standings. The Bearkats are 16-17 in Southland Conference play during the past five seasons.
This year, Sam Houston went 5-6, placing fifth in the Southland Conference with a 3-4 record.
“In evaluating the overall progress of the program, I have determined that we are in need of a revised outlook and approach. Due to the impact that recruiting plays, it is imperative that the search for the individual to move our football program toward that new outlook begin immediately.”
Whitten was named to lead the Bearkat football program on January 20, 2005, replacing Ron Randleman. Previously, he had produced a 45-23 record in six seasons at Tarleton State University. Whitten also worked one year as Randleman’s offensive coordinator at Sam Houston in 1999.
“I want to thank all the players and the assistant coaches on our staff for all their hard work over the last five seasons,” Whitten said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with some outstanding young men.”
Whitten’s teams at Sam Houston went 3-7 in 2005, 6-5 in 2006, 7-4 in 2007, 4-6 in 2008 and 5-6 in 2009.