Longtime coach transitions to Temple after 11 transformative years with Bearkat football
Information Sourced from GoBearkats.com and OwlSports.com
After 11 seasons and a storied career at Sam Houston State University, head coach K.C. Keeler has announced his immediate resignation to accept the head coaching role at Temple University. Offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen will serve as the interim head coach for the Bearkats’ first-ever bowl appearance at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level, pending an official bowl invitation.
Keeler leaves Sam Houston with a remarkable 97-39 record, guiding the program through one of its most successful eras. Since his arrival in 2014, the veteran coach has secured the university’s only FCS national championship, won three Southland Conference titles, one WAC championship, and led the Bearkats to their first FBS bowl eligibility. His tenure included a 14-5 record in the FCS playoffs and a perfect 9-0 mark against rivals Texas State and Stephen F. Austin.
Sam Houston Athletic Director Bobby Williams expressed deep gratitude for Keeler’s impact.
“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 since his arrival,” Williams said. “I want to thank Coach Keeler for what he has done for our football program and athletic department. I am very happy for K.C. and Janice to have the opportunity to be closer to family and their home.”
A Career of Milestones
Keeler’s career spans over three decades, including head coaching stints at Rowan University (1993-2001) and the University of Delaware (2002-12). While at Delaware, he led the Blue Hens to three FCS national championship appearances, winning the title in 2003. His success at Sam Houston culminated in the 2021 FCS national championship during a perfect 10-0 season.
He guided Sam Houston’s transition to the FBS and the Conference USA, capping off a remarkable second season at the FBS level with a 9-3 record in 2024. This turnaround followed a challenging 3-9 debut FBS season in 2023. Keeler’s leadership helped the Bearkats narrowly miss the Conference USA Championship while securing bowl eligibility for the first time.
Keeler’s overall coaching accomplishments include:
- 1 FCS National Championship (2020-21)
- 3 Southland Conference Championships
- 1 WAC Championship
- 14-5 FCS Playoff Record
- 93-39 Overall Record at Sam Houston
- 9-0 Record Against Texas State and SFA
Additionally, Keeler is known for developing NFL talent, including Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco and 2018 second-round draft pick P.J. Hall, while mentoring 77 All-America players. His programs have also consistently excelled academically, with 22 players earning Academic All-America honors.
Transition to Temple
Keeler’s move to Temple comes as the university seeks a fresh start following the dismissal of Stan Drayton, who went 9-25 over three seasons. Temple’s Vice President of Athletics Arthur Johnson praised Keeler’s program-building expertise.
“Coach Keeler has a track record of evaluating, recruiting, and developing student-athletes into championship-level young men,” Johnson said. “His leadership, experience, and the culture he establishes within programs are exactly what Temple football needs.”
Keeler, a native of Emmaus, Pennsylvania, welcomed the opportunity to return to his Northeastern roots.
“I am beyond thrilled to be named Temple University’s next head football coach,” Keeler said. “It feels great to be coming back home.”
Temple President John Fry highlighted Keeler’s ability to navigate transitions, citing his success at Delaware and Sam Houston.
“Coach Keeler is a proven winner and program builder,” Fry said. “He is the perfect leader to help us navigate the rapidly changing landscape of college football.”
A Search for a New Leader
Sam Houston has initiated a search for its next head coach. Brad Cornelsen, who joined as offensive coordinator in 2023, will lead the Bearkats in the interim. Cornelsen brings extensive coaching experience, including successful stints at Virginia Tech and Memphis.
Keeler’s departure marks the end of a transformative era for Sam Houston football, defined by historic achievements on the field, excellence in the classroom, and an enduring legacy within the community.
What They Are Saying About Coach Keeler…
“I’m so grateful of my time working with K.C. I quickly learned about his approach of putting people first and transformational leadership. He gave me the opportunity to grow as a young coach and steered me along the way. I will be forever thankful for my opportunity to coach for him. I’m excited to see where he takes the program at Temple!”
-Dan Lanning, Head Football Coach, University of Oregon
“K.C. will be a great hire at Temple. His recruiting skillset is one of the best in the country. His success at Delaware and what he accomplished at Sam Houston State makes him one of the best coaches in the country.”
-Andy Talley, Former Villanova Football Coach; College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2020)
“Coach Keeler took a chance on me 20 years ago and I’ll never forget that. I couldn’t be more excited for him and his family. If you’re an Owls fan, I’d be excited. He has been a winner everywhere he’s been.”
-Joe Flacco, Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts; Super Bowl XLVII MVP
“Coach Keeler is a great fit and a great look for the Owls! They will be competing for championships in no time! Every program he has been around, he has turned the program around. He is a great leader and always surrounds himself with great coaches. I can’t wait to see this unfold! Congratulations to Temple, you have your guy!”
-Mike Adams, 16-Year NFL Veteran; Captain of 2003 Delaware National Championship Team
“Bearkat Football has been very blessed to have had a Hall of Fame coach like K.C. have such a positive impact on our program. I want to thank Coach Keeler for what he has done for our football program and athletic department. I am so proud of all the successes our program has achieved on the field, in the classroom, and community under his leadership. He has worked hard to embrace and enhance our environment for student-athletes in the football program. I believe we have worked very well together through all the changes we have faced over the years and 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.”
-Bobby Williams, Director of Athletics, Sam Houston
