Dave Campbell's Texas Football has confirmed that West Texas A&M has fired head coach Hunter Hughes following a three-game losing streak to end the season. The Buffs finished the season with a 5-6 record which was their first losing season since Hughes first season in Canyon.

Hughes took over a WT football program dealing with repercussions of NCAA sanctions in 2017. He led the Buffs to a second-place finish in the Lone Star Conference last year and entered this year with expectations of earning a spot in the Division II playoffs.

However, the Buffs season was derailed by inconsistent play, and they ended the year with three consecutive losses and lost four of their final five games in 2022, including the season finale to Simon Fraser.

The shadow of legendary WT coach Don Carthel still looms over a program that hasn’t been able to return to the glory days of a 79-22 record from 2005-2012. It will be interesting to see which direction the administration chooses with this next hire. The Buffs have traditionally relied on a tough defense and a solid rushing attack, but the alumni may push for a coach with a background in a high-powered offensive attack.

“I am extraordinarily grateful for Hunter Hughes and the efforts of the coaching staff. Under his leadership, the football program has achieved historical high marks in the classroom including graduation rates,” West Texas A&M Director of Athletics said in a release. “He is a consummate team player on campus and in our community. He has operated a program that is committed to compliance with NCAA rules.

“Our football team’s performance has also improved under his leadership, with several wins over ranked opponents during his tenure” added McBroom “However, the number of Division II wins over the last two seasons hasn’t met the high expectations we have for each of our programs at WT. This alone is the reason for my decision today.”