As the Oregon Ducks bask in their triumph as Big Ten Champions and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, there’s more than just the on-field action that has their fans buzzing. While head coach Dan Lanning enjoys a first-round bye, sitting back to watch Ohio State and Tennessee battle it out for a spot in the Rose Bowl, there’s a growing concern in Eugene—one of the Ducks’ brightest coaching stars, running backs coach Rashad Samples, could be headed for a head coaching job elsewhere.
The rising star in Oregon’s coaching staff, Samples, is quickly gaining attention from around the country. According to Mike Craven of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Samples is reportedly one of the finalists for the vacant Sam Houston head coaching position, a job that became available earlier this year. While Lanning’s job is not in jeopardy, the potential loss of one of his top assistants could be a blow to Oregon’s success, especially given Samples’ track record.
Rashad Samples: A Texas Native with Strong Recruiting Ties
Hired by Oregon just this past offseason, Samples has already proven himself to be a valuable asset to Lanning’s staff. Despite his relatively brief time in Eugene, Samples has helped guide the Ducks’ running back, Jordan James, to a milestone year, surpassing 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. But it’s not just on-field coaching that has made Samples a hot name; it’s his exceptional recruiting ability, particularly in Texas.
A Texas native, Samples’ recruiting prowess is heavily influenced by his family ties. His father, Reginald Samples, is a legendary high school coach at Duncanville High School, one of the top programs in the nation. With his deep roots in Texas and a reputation for developing top-tier talent, Samples is seen as a key figure for Oregon’s efforts to continue attracting high-level recruits from the Lone Star State. His ability to recruit players with connections to Texas could be invaluable for Oregon as they look to build on their success and keep bringing in elite talent.
A Bright Future Ahead
While Samples has only been with the Ducks for a short time, his resume already speaks for itself. He was recently named to the AFCA 35 under 35 list, recognizing him as one of the nation’s top young assistant coaches. His development of Oregon’s running game and his ability to help players reach their potential has caught the eye of many in the coaching world. Now, as the Sam Houston job opens up, Samples’ name is being discussed as a leading candidate for the position.
In addition to Samples, a handful of other candidates are reportedly in the running, including Shawn Bell, Matt Powledge, Phil Longo, Tim Daoust, and Curtis Luper. But Samples stands out due to his unique blend of experience, recruiting acumen, and strong ties to Texas football. Should he be offered the Sam Houston head coaching job, it would be a significant step forward in his career, allowing him to take on a more prominent role at the collegiate level.
Will Samples Stay with Oregon Through the Playoffs?
If Samples does indeed take the job at Sam Houston, it’s possible that he could remain with the Ducks through the College Football Playoff. With Oregon primed to make a national championship run, Samples might choose to finish the season with his current team before transitioning to his new role. This would allow the Ducks to continue their playoff push without any immediate disruption to their coaching staff, while also providing Samples the opportunity to honor his commitment to Oregon.
Conclusion
Oregon’s rise to the top of college football has been fueled by strong coaching at every level, and Rashad Samples has been an integral part of that success. Whether or not he departs for Sam Houston, his future is incredibly bright, and it’s clear that his time at Oregon has been a launching pad for bigger things. For now, the Ducks will enjoy the fruits of his hard work as they focus on their quest for a national title, but with Samples in high demand, they may have to prepare for a new chapter sooner than expected.
