LAKELAND, Fla.—Southeastern University Director of Athletics Drew Watson has announced
Adam Waugh as the head football coach. Waugh had served as the acting head coach this fall.
Waugh has been on staff since the 2021 season, serving as defensive coordinator for Cesar Rivas-Sandoval. He was named the Mid-South Conference Sun Division Assistant Coach of the Year that season, helping the Fire win their first conference title since 2018. He was promoted to acting head coach upon the resignation of Rivas-Sandoval in the Summer of 2022.
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Adam Waugh is the right man to lead this program into the future," said Watson. "His straightforward approach to leadership immediately won over the locker room and was a big reason this team overcame so many obstacles to have a successful season."
The Fire posted a 6-4 record in 2022 with Waugh serving as acting head coach. Southeastern was third in The Sun Conference last season in defense, allowing 20.7 points per contest and were 14
th nationally in passing yards allowed per game at 162.
"It is an honor and a privilege to be chosen to lead the Fire football program," said Waugh. "There is a lot of work ahead of us, but I am very excited about the committed players and coaches on our team. I look forward to continuing the SEU tradition of building champions while pursuing championships."
Prior to Southeastern, Waugh coached at Jesuit and Calvary Christian after spending time in the Division I ranks at Louisiana-Monroe, Northwestern State, Cal Poly, Army, and Pittsburgh. In 2012, Waugh was the co-defensive coordinator at ULM and helped lead the Warhawks to their first bowl game in program history.
Waugh is the third head coach in program history, which began play in 2014 and has won five conference championships and has made two NAIA Football Championship Series appearances.
"Adam is building a faith-infused program that is marked by excellence in the classroom and on the field," added Watson. "The future is bright for Fire Football."
