Whitten Surprised by Firing

Sam Houston State fired head football Coach Todd Whitten Monday after five years on the job.

Bearkats athletics director Bobby Williams informed Whitten of his dismissal in a meeting Monday morning.

Whitten, who was 25-28 at Sam Houston State, acknowledged he was surprised by the decision.

"I thought we would get another year," Whitten said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. "We had a lot of injuries and played a lot of young guys.

"We had a good five years and wish we could have won more games."

The Bearkats were 5-6 in 2009. They finished fifth in the Southland Conference with a 3-4 record.

"I am thankful for the opportunity at Sam Houston State and sorry it didn't work out," Whitten said.

The Bearkats were 16-17 in Southland Conference play on Whitten's watch.

"I appreciate the hard work that Todd Whitten and his football staff have given this university," Williams said in a statement released by the school. "Decisions of this nature are complex.

"When there are so many quality people involved, in addition to positive personal relationships, it is made even more difficult."

Williams said he will be begin a search to find Whitten's successor.