Copyright AL.com
Samford has parted ways with head football coach Chris Hatcher after 11 seasons, the program announced Sunday evening. The move comes just one day after a 38-14 home loss to East Tennessee State, which moved the Bulldogs to 1-9 on the season. Samford has compiled an 11-21 record over the last three seasons, after going 11-2 and winning the program’s first Southern Conference championship with an 8-0 conference record in 2022; the Bulldogs advanced to the FCS quarterfinals that season. An interim coach will be named at a later date, per a release. “Coach Hatcher has always represented the university and our football program with dignity and class,” Samford vice president for intercollegiate athletics Martin Newton wrote. “We’ve enjoyed some incredible moments together with our success on the field and in the classroom. “However, the results on the field the last few seasons have not met our expectations, and it’s time to go in a different direction. I wish Chris and his family all the best moving forward and know the Bulldog family is appreciative of all his hard work.” In 11 seasons as the program’s head coach, Hatcher finished with a 62-59 overall record and led the program to the FCS playoffs three times. He holds the program record for wins as a head coach. Before being hired at Samford ahead of the 2015 season, the Macon, Ga., native served as head coach at Valdosta State, Georgia Southern and Murray State for a combined 15 seasons. He has a 183-116 overall record as a head coach and led Valdosta State to a Division II national championship in 2004. Hatcher was the state of Alabama’s longest-tenured Division I head football coach at one program before his firing; it’s now Alabama State’s Eddie Robinson, who’s in his fourth season leading the Hornets. Samford is the third Division I program in the state of Alabama that has parted ways with its head football coach, joining UAB and Auburn. The Bulldogs (1-9) will travel to Clarksville, Tenn., to face Austin Peay on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
