K.C. Keeler has made a significant impact as the head coach of the Sam Houston State University football team.
As of 2024, Keeler has steered the Bearkats to unprecedented heights, including their first-ever FCS national championship in 2020 and their transition to the FBS level within Conference USA.
This remarkable journey has established him as one of the most successful coaches in NCAA history, known for his strategic prowess and ability to develop players.
Keeler’s coaching career extends beyond Sam Houston. Before joining the Bearkats in 2014, he served as the head coach at the University of Delaware and Rowan University.
His career is decorated with multiple national championships and over 250 career victories, making him the only head coach in FCS history to win national titles at multiple schools.
This impressive track record underscores his enduring excellence and adaptability in college football.
Given his achievements and ongoing contributions to the sport, Keeler’s role at Sam Houston and his potential influence in college football are subjects of great interest.
His recent contract extension through 2027, valued up to $3,250,000 as reported by Texas Football, reflects the university’s confidence in his leadership.
As fans and supporters look forward to future seasons, Keeler’s journey continues to be a captivating story of success and ambition.
Who Is K. C. Keeler?
K. C. Keeler is an accomplished college football coach known for his success at multiple universities. He has built an impressive legacy, contributing significantly to the teams he has coached.
Where Did K. C. Keeler Grow Up?
K. C. Keeler was born on July 26, 1959, in Emmaus, PA. This small town in Pennsylvania played a significant role in shaping Keeler’s early life and passion for football.
Growing up in Emmaus, he attended Emmaus High School, where he first started to exhibit his football talent.
He excelled in sports, particularly football, setting the foundation for his future coaching career.
His involvement in the Pennsylvania Big 33 All-Star Game during his high school years marked the beginning of his notable journey in football.
This early exposure laid the groundwork for his later achievements and successes on the field.
Where Did K. C. Keeler Play College Football?
Keeler played college football at the University of Delaware, where he was a linebacker under the legendary Tubby Raymond.
His college playing career was marked by dedication and skill, which earned him recognition within the team and set a precedent for his coaching philosophies.
Being part of the Delaware team, Keeler learned valuable lessons that he later applied in his coaching career.
Delaware, with its rich football tradition, was the perfect alma mater for Keeler to nurture his coaching aspirations.
Where Does K. C. Keeler Live?
Currently, K. C. Keeler lives in Texas, close to Sam Houston State University, where he serves as the head football coach.
Living in Texas, Keeler has become an integral part of the university culture and community.
His proximity to the campus and the team’s training facilities enables him to foster a strong team environment and further enhance his players’ development.
Who Is K. C. Keeler Married To?
K. C. Keeler is married to Janice Keeler. Together, they have a supportive family, including their daughter Kate and son Jackson. They are also proud grandparents of Gannon and Isla.
Family plays a significant role in Keeler’s life. His wife, Janice, has been a constant support throughout his coaching career.
The couple’s commitment to family and football has been a cornerstone of Keeler’s successful career path. Their shared journey has seen many successes and milestones that have marked his professional achievements.
K. C. Keeler Professional Career
K. C. Keeler has a well-established career in college football, marked by significant achievements and contributions to multiple teams. He has coached for various universities, led teams to numerous victories, and earned several prestigious awards.
What Teams Has K. C. Keeler Previously Coached For?
Keeler began his coaching career at Rowan University, where he served as head coach from 1993 to 2001.
During his time there, he led the team to five NCAA Division III playoff appearances and advanced to the Stagg Bowl multiple times.
From 2002 to 2012, Keeler was the head coach at the University of Delaware.
He succeeded in securing a national championship in 2003 and guided the team to the FCS playoffs in several seasons. His Delaware tenure included coaching future NFL quarterback Joe Flacco.
What Team Is K. C. Keeler Currently Coaching For?
As of 2014, K. C. Keeler is the head coach for the Sam Houston State Bearkats.
Under his leadership, the team won the FCS National Championship in 2020.
Keeler’s innovative coaching strategies, including his preference for a no-huddle offense, have resulted in the Bearkats achieving a national No. 1 ranking and multiple Southland Conference titles.
Does K. C. Keeler Want To Coach In The NFL?
Keeler has not publicly expressed a strong desire to coach in the NFL.
His passion seems rooted in college football, where he can mold young athletes and contribute to their academic and athletic development.
His current focus remains on elevating Sam Houston State within the college football landscape.
The responsibilities and recruiting aspects of college coaching appear to align well with his coaching philosophy.
What Are K. C. Keeler Future Prospects?
Keeler’s future prospects are promising, particularly with the recent transition of Sam Houston State from the FCS to the FBS level.
His experience and successful track record position him well to lead the team through this change.
Given his history of turning around programs, it’s likely he will continue to aim for conference titles and national accolades.
K. C. Keeler Major Achievements And Awards
Keeler’s coaching career is marked by numerous achievements:
- Over 250 career victories
- National titles with both Delaware (2003) and Sam Houston State (2020)
- Eddie Robinson Award recipient
- Multiple conference titles in the Southland Conference
- Consistent playoff appearances at both the Division I and Division III levels
Similar Coaches To K. C. Keeler
Coaches who share similarities with Keeler include:
- Willie Fritz: Known for his success at Georgia Southern and Tulane, and similar transition from FCS to FBS levels.
- Craig Bohl: Led North Dakota State to multiple national titles in the FCS before moving to the FBS level with Wyoming.
- Chris Klieman: Like Keeler, he achieved significant success in the FCS with North Dakota State before transitioning to Kansas State in the FBS.
These coaches, like Keeler, have a history of building successful programs and leading teams to championships.
How Does K. C. Keeler Do With NIL And Transfer Portal?
K. C. Keeler successfully manages the impact of the transfer portal and NIL money on his team. His approach keeps the roster intact and maintains team performance.
K. C. Keeler And Transfer Portal
K. C. Keeler uses the transfer portal to enhance his team’s talent. The transfer portal has changed college football, making it easier for players to switch schools.
Sam Houston, transitioning to FBS and joining Conference USA, has a lot at stake.
Keeler focuses on retaining key players, such as quarterbacks and offensive line members.
He engages with them frequently to ensure they feel valued. This tactic helps Sam Houston avoid mass departures and keeps experienced players on the team.
Keeler’s insight into the transfer portal allows him to bring in high-potential recruits who fit the team’s needs.
K. C. Keeler And NIL Money
Keeler’s strategy with NIL money is crucial for keeping his players motivated. NIL deals have dramatically altered the college football landscape.
Keeler works closely with the Kat Fund to bridge gaps between donors and athletes.
Keeler aims to balance relationships between players and donors to ensure that everyone benefits.
This focus helps Sam Houston players capitalize on their Name, Image, and Likeness while maintaining their commitment to the team.
Keeler promotes an environment where All-America players feel supported both on and off the field, making Sam Houston a more attractive option for top talent.
How Much Is K. C. Keeler’s Contract For?
K. C. Keeler, the head coach at Sam Houston State, signed a significant contract extension to continue leading the Bearkats. This extension reflects his achievements and the school’s confidence in his leadership.
How Much Does K. C. Keeler Make In Salary Per Year?
K. C. Keeler’s contract with Sam Houston State is valued at $3.25 million over four years.
This means his annual salary averages $812,500. The contract was agreed upon in 2023 and extends through the 2026 season.
This makes Keeler one of the higher-paid coaches in college football.
By securing such a deal, the university aims to retain his expertise as the team transitions to the FBS level in Conference USA. For more details, visit Texas Football.
How Much Does K. C. Keeler Make In Incentives Per Year?
While the base salary for K. C. Keeler is defined, his contract also includes various incentives that can significantly boost his earnings.
These incentives are typically tied to performance metrics such as winning records, conference titles, and postseason achievements.
They can also include bonuses related to team academic performance and player graduation rates.
However, specific details about the exact value of these incentives were not disclosed in the publicly available information. For more information, see the College Football Network.
What Is K. C. Keeler Net Worth?
K. C. Keeler, the head coach of Sam Houston State football, is renowned for his success on the field. His net worth reflects his accomplishments and standing in college football.
As of 2024, K. C. Keeler’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million.
This figure includes his earnings as a head coach as well as other sources of income related to his career.
Salary and Contract
Keeler’s annual salary is a significant contributor to his net worth.
Reports indicate that his current salary with Sam Houston State is approximately $350,000 per year.
Career Earnings
K. C. Keeler has accumulated wealth through his long and successful coaching career. His previous positions at the University of Delaware and Rowan University also contributed to his financial status.
At Delaware, he reportedly earned a substantial salary that added to his overall wealth.
Keeler is also involved in other ventures that might contribute to his finances, although specific details on these are not publicly disclosed.
Achievements and Impact
Keeler’s success isn’t limited to financial gains. He is noted for his impressive record and influence in college football.
His net worth is a reflection of his hard work, strategy, and dedication to the sport.
For more details on K. C. Keeler’s career and achievements, visit College Football Network.
