Wednesday, January 16, 2019
by Stetson Athletic Media Relations

DELAND, Fla. — Coming off the best season in more than 65 years, Stetson Football coach Roger Hughes has been rewarded with a contract extension that will keep him on the sideline for the Hatters through at least the 2021 season.

Hughes, who has guided the Stetson football program since 2011 when he was charged with leading the program onto the field after more than 50 years without a team, was named Pioneer Football League Coach of the Year in 2018.

"I was encouraged by the excellent season Stetson football posted last year and look forward to Coach Hughes continuing this degree of success into the future," Stetson University Director of Athletics Jeff Altier said.

Under Hughes, the Hatters posted an 8-2 record last fall, shattering program offensive records along the way. The team went 6-2 in PFL – with the program's first wins over Drake, Jacksonville and Morehead State – while finishing tied for second in the league standings.

Hughes was also selected as one of 15 coaches from across FCS as a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year award in 2018.

"I am very thankful that Stetson, Dr. Wendy Libby and Jeff Altier have renewed their confidence in my leadership for our football program," Hughes said. "I am very excited to be at Stetson and look forward to continuing the work we are doing with our players, coaches, faculty and administration to continue improving our traditions, our competitiveness and the student-athlete experience."

For the third time in the six years the Hatters have played in the modern era, Stetson produced a consensus All-American this fall, with tight end Donald Parham having been named to every published All-America team. Parham will break new ground for the Stetson program in late January when he plays in the Reese's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

Hughes will lead a Stetson team that is expected to return 19 starters in 2019 (seven on offense, nine on defense and three specialists) into spring practice on March 12. The annual Spring Game is schedule for Saturday, April 13, at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium in DeLand.