Stephen F. Austin State Fires Head Coach

[MrMustang1965]

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Stephen F. Austin coach Mike Santiago has been fired after his team finished fifth in the Southland Conference and again failed to qualify for the NCAA 1-AA playoffs.

"Coach Santiago has worked hard over the past six years, but has failed to provide the results for which he was hired," athletic director Steve McCarty said Sunday in announcing that Santiago wouldn't return as head coach.

Santiago led the Lumberjacks to an 8-3 record and share of the conference title in 1999, but didn't make it to the playoffs. The school hasn't made the playoffs during Santiago's tenure.

The school finished this season 6-5 and 1-4 in the conference. Overall, Santiago's teams were 39-27.


Early speculation is that Todd Whitten, head coach at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX, is the front-runner for new head coach of the Lumberjacks.

[jtstang]

And this is relevant to SMU fans because...?

[dandyfan]

... because jerry bennett would be a perfect fit at SFA. With all of is East Texas contacts and coaching experience SFA would be nuts to look somewhere else if coach j applies. And if Jerry leaves the recruiting takes a big time hit for SMU.

[Bergermeister]

It would definitely be a step up from 3A Jefferson.

[dandyfan]

salary wise, probably not a huge step up from jefferson high. someone asked why the post, i simply added my two cents worth as to why. it's not like briles going to houston. jerry would be a perfect fit in this div. II east texas school...and a big loss for SMU.

[MrMustang1965]

SFA is a Div. 1-AA school, not Div. II. They play in the Southland Conference along with Sam Houston State, Texas State - San Marcos, Northwestern State, McNeese State and Nicholls State.