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Phil Longo Earns Unexpected Promotion After Failed Stint at Wisconsin

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dillon Graff | Last updated Dec 18, 2024 9:49 AM ET

A forgettable two-year run as the Wisconsin Badgers offensive coordinator has unexpectedly opened the door to what could be considered a promotion for Phil Longo’s coaching career.

Longo is set to become the head coach of Sam Houston State, his first opportunity to lead an FBS football program. According to multiple reports, Longo is the candidate who will replace K.C. Keeler, who left this offseason to become the head coach at Temple.

This move marks a return to a familiar setting for Longo, who previously served as the Bearkats’ offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2016.

At 56 years old, with over 25 years on the sidelines, Longo brings a wealth of experience to Sam Houston State, with a track record of success as an offensive play-caller at programs like Ole Miss and North Carolina under legendary coach Mack Brown.

That said, his most recent stop at Wisconsin working for Luke Fickell didn’t exactly go as planned.

Longo’s time in Madison was short-lived, lasting only 23 games before he was fired. Hired during coach Fickell’s first offseason, Longo was tasked with installing his well-known Air Raid offense.

However, the results fell well short of expectations. Wisconsin averaged just 23.5 points per game during the 2023 season, their lowest output in nearly two decades. By the time of his dismissal, the offense had made little headway, averaging 23.9 points per game through 10 contests—a mark that ranked 97th nationally.

“After continuing to evaluate the program, I decided we are not where we need to be and believe this decision is in the best interest of the team,” Fickell said in a statement. “I appreciate Phil’s commitment to helping us build our program over the past two seasons and wish him well moving forward."

Now tasked with revitalizing Sam Houston State, Longo inherits a program transitioning into FBS competition. His offensive mind and familiarity with the Bearkats’ culture make him a compelling choice to lead them into a new era.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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