See? Turnarounds CAN happen! SMU will do it, too!

[MrMustang1965]

Following this season's semifinal finish, Sam Houston State head coach Ron Randleman has decided to call it a career. Randleman, who ranks third among active I-AA coaches in total wins, announced his retirement after 23 years as the head man at Sam Houston State. This season, Randleman directed the Bearkats to their first I-AA semifinal appearance, a school-record 11 victories and a share of the Southland title. Sam Houston State was the most improved team in I-A or I-AA this season, going from a 2-9 record in 2003 to an 11-3 mark this year. "Serving as head coach at Sam Houston has been an exciting and rewarding experience. I love this job and I love this University. But I've been doing this job for a long time and it's time to start doing some other things," Randleman said. Randleman, who turns 63 on Friday, earned his first head coaching job at his alma mater, William Penn, in 1969. He coached both William Penn and Pittsburg State before taking over the position at Sam Houston State in 1982. Randleman is a finalist for this year's Eddie Robinson Award, given to the I-AA coach of the year.

[Dutch]

I just hope it doesn't take 23 years!

[MrMustang1965]

I think you may have misunderstood my meaning...read the bold print. The Bearkats went from 2-9 to 11-3 in just one year. I have faith that SMU will do the same.

[Dutch]

Tounge-in-cheek commentary b/c the coach had been there for 23 years, get's an 11-1 season and then retires. I hope for those kids that they find a suitable replacement for him to lead them to more victories.

[MrMustang1965]

In his 23 years at SHSU, this was his best ever. A year ago at this time a petition drive was started to get him dismissed. A Div. 1-A QB transfer in 2001 named Josh McCown (SMU) and another one this year named Dustin Long (Texas A$M) didn't hurt. Another Div. 1-A transfer named Noah Allen (Oklahoma) is waiting in the wings for next year.

[EastStang]

A couple of things to keep in mind. At 1-AA players can transfer in from 1-A schools without losing eligibility or waiting (i.e. Josh McCown). A school like SHS doesn't have the restrictions on JUCO's that a school like SMU has. That said, congrats to SHS. So, overnight turnarounds at SMU are not as likely or as easy.