Keeler is stepping down as Bearkat head coach

Leighton Chamblee

football
12/01/2024 5:30 p.m

HUNTSVILLE – Sam Houston head coach KC Keeler will step down as Bearkat’s head coach, effective immediately, after leading the football program for 11 seasons.

Awaiting a bowl invitation, offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen will serve as interim coach for the Bearkats’ first bowl appearance at the FBS level.

Keeler took over the Bearkat program before the 2014 season after serving as head coach at Rowan and Delaware and compiled a 97-39 record during his time in Huntsville. He 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 their transition to the FBS and Conference USA.

After going 3-9 in his first season at the FBS level in 2023, Keeler led the Kats to a 9-3 record in 2024, earning the program bowl eligibility for the first time and a conference berth USA narrowly missed championship game.

The search for a new head coach will begin immediately.

QUOTE FROM BOBBY WILLIAMS
Bearkat Football was very blessed to have a Hall of Fame coach like this KC Keeler lead our program. He has had such a positive impact on our program since his arrival and I would like to thank Coach Keeler for what he has done for our football program and the entire athletic department.

I am very proud of all of the successes our program has achieved locally, in the classroom and in the community over the past 11 years under his leadership. KC has worked tirelessly to improve and improve the environment for all of our student-athletes at Sam Houston.

Over the years we have faced a number of challenges and I believe we have worked very well together through each challenge. Along the way, we have built a strong professional leadership group and a personal friendship. I am very happy that KC and Janice have the opportunity to be closer to family and home.