Samford Parts Ways With Longtime Head Coach Chris Hatcher After 11 Seasons
After more than a decade at the helm, Samford University has officially parted ways with head football coach Chris Hatcher, ending an era defined by both historic highs and recent disappointments. The university announced the decision Sunday evening just 24 hours after a tough 38–14 home loss to East Tennessee State, which dropped the Bulldogs to 1–9 for the season.
@ClaudiasWorkshop 
A Storied Tenure Meets a Difficult Ending
Hatcher’s departure marks the close of an 11-year run that saw the coach become Samford’s all-time winningest leader, with a 62–59 overall record and three FCS playoff appearances. His tenure peaked in 2022, when the Bulldogs went 11–2, swept the Southern Conference (8–0), and clinched the program’s first-ever SoCon championship, a season that felt like the dawn of a new golden age for Samford football.
But the glow dimmed quickly. Over the past three seasons, the Bulldogs have stumbled to an 11–21 record, struggling to regain their footing in a conference that’s grown increasingly competitive.
In a statement, Martin Newton, Samford’s Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, praised Hatcher’s character and contributions but acknowledged the need for change:
“We’ve enjoyed incredible moments together on and off the field. However, the results over 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.”
The school said an interim coach will be named at a later date.
A History of Hard Work and Guidance
Hatcher's journey with Samford began in 2015 when the Macon, Georgia native arrived in Birmingham with his offensive-minded mentality and distinctive passion. Over the next ten years, he transformed the Bulldogs into a powerful FCS force, garnering the conference's admiration for his prolific offensive output and player development.
Before coming to Samford, he spent 26 seasons as a head coach, including stints at Valdosta State, Georgia Southern, and Murray State. Across those programs, Hatcher has compiled an impressive 183–116 career record. At Valdosta State, he delivered one of his signature achievements leading the Blazers to a Division II national championship in 2004.
What’s Next for Samford
For Samford, the decision signals a reset moment, a chance to rebuild under new leadership and chart a course back to the postseason. The search for Hatcher’s successor is expected to begin immediately, with university officials emphasizing the need for a coach who can “reignite the program’s competitive spirit” and build on the foundation Hatcher leaves behind.Despite the downturn of recent years, few can dispute the coach’s impact. Under Hatcher, Samford developed a football culture based on zeal, speed, and tenacity, increased its national prominence, and produced several NFL prospects.
