BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –Samford University has relieved head football coach Chris Hatcher of his duties, effective immediately, the school announced Sunday.
 
"Coach Hatcher has always represented the university and our football program with dignity and class," Samford VP for Intercollegiate Athletics Martin Newton said. "We've enjoyed some incredible moments together with our success on the field and in the classroom. However, the results on the field 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 and know the Bulldog family is appreciative of all his hard work." 
 
Hatcher has been the head coach at Samford for the past 11 seasons and has posted a record of 62-59, including an 11-2 Southern Conference championship season in 2022. This season, however, the Bulldogs have posted a record of 1-9 overall and 1-7 in SoCon play.
 
An interim coach will be named at a later date. A national search for Hatcher's permanent replacement will begin immediately.
 
Next week, Samford will go back on the road to play at Austin Peay on Saturday, Nov. 15. The game is set for a 1 p.m. start from Clarksville, Tenn.
 
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