Sam Houston is conducting its first head coaching search in a decade, and a Pitt assistant coach is reportedly in the mix.
Former head coach KC Keeler, who took the Sam Houston job in 2014, left for Temple earlier this month. It created an opening that Pitt defensive line coach Tim Daoust is reportedly in the running for.
According to a report by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, with a further report by Football Scoop, Daoust is one of the finalists for the job.
Daoust, along with Houston quarterbacks coach Shawn Bell, former Wisconsin offensive coordinator Phil Longo, Missouri running backs coach Curtis Luper, Baylor defensive coordinator Matt Powledge and Oregon assistant head coach Ra’Shaad Samples are the six finalists for the job — with on-campus interviews scheduled for this week.
Daoust, who was hired as the Pitt defensive line coach from East Carolina last offseason, previously served as the Sam Houston assistant head coach and defensive line coach from 2019-20.
Pitt didn’t have the greatest season defensively, coming off the departure of long-time defensive line coach Charlie Partridge to the NFL, but Daoust did a good job of righting the ship.
And the Panthers were fourth in tackles for loss per game (8.2 per game, 99 total) and tied for third in total sacks (40 total, 3.33 per game) in college football this season. It wasn’t the strongest defensive line unit, but the future is bright. And Daoust, by all accounts, has handled the transition from Partridge to himself well.
“He’s a great coach, man,” Sincere Edwards said during the offseason. “I truly respect him. I love his beliefs, he’s big on fundamentals, and that’s the biggest thing he’s been preaching since he got here.”
Pitt is in the midst of preparing for the GameAbove Sports Bowl, and while it remains to be seen what happens with the Sam Houston job, it would be better for continuity if Daoust were to remain in Pittsburgh. But, as always, anything can happen.
Football Scoop reported that the eventual hire will take place before Sam Houston’s New Orleans Bowl appearance on Dec. 19.
