Tony Samuel Will Return For 2010 Season

No big surprise coming from Southeast Missouri State...Just got the official word SEMO football coach Tony Samuel will return for (at least) the fifth and final year of his contract.

Samuel finished the season, on a bit of a high note, hanging with the top ranked Southern Illinios Salukis at Houck stadium for most of the afternoon. SEMO did lose 42-24 but showed passion and never gave up.

Samuel's record at SEMO has been anything but impressive (13-32) which lead many to speculate he would not return. Bringing him back to finish out his current contract is the right move. The University does not need another negative public relations hit (the men's and women's basketball programs stole that spotlight).

The economic ramifications have to be taken into consideration as well. As the economy sits on shaky ground it does not make much sense to pay a coach to go away.

Honestly, would it be the end of the world if the Redhawks roll thorough another losing season in 2010? It's not like there are a lot of expectations placed on the football program to be a winner. If it happens...great. If not..oh well.

SEMO Football under Tony Samuel:

Year W-L OVC Record OVC Finish

2009 2-9 (1-7 OVC) 8th*
2008 4-8 (2-6 OVC) 7th
2007 3-8 (1-6 OVC) 9th
2006 4-7 (2-6 OVC) 7th

*SEMO finished 8th because Jacksonville State was ineligible for OVC Championship.