Sam Houston State University athletic director Bobby Williams introduced Phil Longo as the program’s next head football coach in December at a press conference prior to the New Orleans Bowl, emphasizing that the longtime offensive coordinator was the right fit for the Bearkats’ culture.

“He checked all the boxes,” Williams said.

Longo—a former SHSU assistant—replaces K.C. Keeler, who was hired as Temple’s head coach in December after 11 years with the Bearkats. Longo took the offensive coordinator position at Sam Houston under Keeler in 2014, though their relationship dates back long before that. The two met at Rowan College, where Longo played for Keeler, the school’s offensive coordinator at the time, and the two have built a connection since then.

During Longo’s time in Huntsville, he developed arguably the most accomplished receiver Sam Houston has ever seen: Davion Davis.

Davis has gone on to play professionally in the NFL and UFL, and he credits Longo for playing a significant role in his success. In particular, Davis vividly remembers a message he received ahead of the first game of his collegiate career.

“My first game against Texas Tech, Longo could tell I was flustered,” Davis said. “He stayed in my ear and told me to stay confident and keep being the player I am. … Him just believing in me kick-started my career and shaped the kind of player I became.”

Davis finished the game with 10 catches for 130 yards and a touchdown. He went on to haul in 40 touchdown catches over his career, a figure that still stands as the Bearkats’ all-time record.

“He’s a players coach,” Davis said, pointing to an environment of respect between players and coaches.

Longo left Sam Houston after the 2016 season and went on to gain experience in the SEC, ACC, and Big Ten, serving as the offensive coordinator at Ole Miss, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, respectively. His growth wasn’t limited to his coaching acumen, either.

“I am much more prepared to do this job now than I was nine years ago when I left here,” Longo said. “I learned better ways to do a lot of things, and I am much more of a patient person now. Part of that is the coaching experience, and part of that is raising four children.”

Longo’s philosophy and family-first culture will be a driving force for years to come. Davis holds onto these core values as a person, father, and husband, and his connection with Longo remains strong to this day. “He cares about my family’s well-being, my kid’s name, and how my wife is doing,” Davis said.

The Bearkats’ new head coach plans to build similar connections as he puts his imprint on the program.

“If there is mutual respect between the staff and the players, and they know we’re here for them on and off the field, then they are more willing to lay everything on the line for their teammates, staff and program,” Longo said.