Over just eight years, Ra'Shaad Samples has already had a highly impressive coaching career, including his current job as the running backs coach and assistant head coach for the No. 1 team in the nation: the Oregon Ducks.
Samples joined Dan Lanning and the Ducks ahead of the 2024 season after a one-year stint with the Arizona State Sun Devils following a one-year gig in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams. Samples started his career for his alma mater, the Houston Cougars before spending a year with the Texas Longhorns and three seasons with the SMU Mustangs.
Now, the highly-touted assistant coach is looking to continue his coaching career as the next head coach of the Sam Houston State Bearkats.
Oregon RB Coach Ra'Shaad Samples reportedly a favorite for Sam Houston State HC opening. #Oregon #SamHoustonState pic.twitter.com/DREdWs4SbC
— JUCO Football Frenzy (@JUCOFFrenzy) December 13, 2024
Samples, a Texas native, played for the Houston Cougars and the Oklahoma State Cowboys during his collegiate career after being a four-star prospect coming out of high school.
Over the past season, Samples has led the Oregon running back room that includes star RBs Noah Whittington and Jordan James. Whittington and James combined for 1,790 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns throughout the regular season (including the Big Ten Championship game).
The Sam Houston State Bearkats were led by former head coach K.C. Keeler from 2014 until 2024 and are currently headed by interim HC Brad Cornelsen. The Bearkats finished the 2024 regular season at 9-3 overall and are scheduled to face the Georgia Southern Eagles in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. PT on ESPN2.