The Tarleton State Texan have extended head football coach Todd Whitten through the 2027 college football season. The reigning United Athletic Conference Coach of the Year won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Whitten is on his third stint with the Texans, but this time feels a lot more permanent.
The third time around between Tarleton State and Whitten has been a historical one. He guided the Texans in their reclassification journey from Division II to the FCS. He also gave the school it’s first ever win as a FCS football member against FBS school New Mexico State in a 43-17 blowout. Last season, the Texans average 428.6 yards of total offense per game, ranking 12th in the FCS.
The first two stints of Whitten coaching the Texans were fairly successful. He went 5-5 in 1996, but left for an opportunity at Wyoming as their offensive coordinator. Whitten returned to Tarleton State in 2000 and led the Texans to a 40-18 record in five seasons, including two Division II playoff appearances. Once again, Whitten opened the door when opportunity knocked when he was offered the head coaching job at Sam Houston State.
In 2016, Whitten returned to Stephenville, and hasn’t looked back. He led the Texans to back-to-back undefeated Lonestar Conference records in 2018-19, and two more Division II playoff appearances. In the first three seasons of its FCS football transitional period, the Texans have gone 20-11 in that time. In 2024, Tarleton State will be eligible for the FCS playoffs for the first time. Given Whitten’s success as the coach, we could see the Texans in the playoffs sooner rather than later. Overall, Whitten has a 104-53 record with the Texans