LAKELAND, Fla. – Southeastern University Director of Athletics, Drew Watson, announced today that, due to ongoing medical concerns, head football coach
Adam Waugh has made the decision to step away from coaching to focus on his health and prioritize time with his family.
Waugh emphasized that the choice is proactive and centered on his long-term well-being, expressing deep gratitude for the university's support as he enters this next chapter.
Waugh leaves the program having reshaped it into one of the NAIA's most respected and defensively elite teams. Over four seasons as head coach, he compiled a 27-13 record (.675), the second-most wins in program history, and he guided the Fire to steady year-to-year growth, highlighted by a program-record nine-win season in 2025 and the first postseason victory in program history.
"Adam did not just lead SEU back to the NAIA tournament and deliver the first playoff win in program history; he reestablished what it means to be part of this program," said Watson. "What I appreciate most is that he developed our team culture and invested deeply in our young men in life and in the classroom. From leading student-athletes in their walk with Christ to setting program-record GPAs, his impact has been substantial. His decision to step away and put his health and family first is exactly the kind of selfless leadership he has always shown. We support him completely, and he will always have a home here."
Under Waugh's guidance, Southeastern consistently ranked inside the NAIA top 10 in both scoring and total defense, produced 36 All-Conference selections, and established itself as a postseason-caliber program defined by toughness, discipline, and identity.
"It has been an honor and privilege to coach at SEU for the past five seasons, and I am incredibly proud of our accomplishments both on and off the field," Waugh said. "After much thought and prayer, and with the support of my family, I have decided to step down as head football coach to focus on my health and spend time with my wife and children. I will always cherish the relationships I have formed during my time in Lakeland, and I am confident in the future of the program. I look forward to supporting Fire Football for years to come."
Waugh's tenure as head coach followed a highly impactful season as defensive coordinator, when he helped SEU secure a Mid-South Sun Division co-championship and produced a defense that allowed just 20 points and 107 rushing yards per game. Being physical, prepared, and fundamentally sound became the standard for his teams. His approach was shaped by more than 20 years of coaching experience, including 15 seasons at the NCAA Division I level with stops at Louisiana-Monroe, Pittsburgh, Army, Cal Poly, and Northwestern State.
"The future of the Fire Football program is bright, and we look forward to building on the legacy Coach Waugh is leaving here in Lakeland," Watson added.
Offensive line coach
Jordan Heldreth will serve as interim head coach while SEU begins a national search for Waugh's successor.
