November 15th, 2026 10:00am
Pittsburg State University has announced a change in football leadership. Head Coach Tom Anthony, who led the program from 2024-2026 will not return. The Gorillas finished 4-7 overall and 4-5 in the MIAA.
Pittsburg State press release from pittstategorillas.com
PITTSBURG — Pittsburg State University Vice President of Athletics Anthony Crespino announced today (Nov. 15) there will be a change in football leadership.
Tom Anthony has served the past three seasons as head coach for the Gorillas. He compiled a 22-13 (.629) overall record, following a 4-7 campaign this fall.
"I've seen firsthand how much Tom cares about our players," Crespino said. "I'm grateful for what he's given to Pitt State football, and I wish him and his family the best."
Anthony guided the Gorillas to a 10-3 record as well as the program's third MIAA title in four seasons and Pitt State's fourth consecutive NCAA Division II playoffs berth in 2025. He posted an 8-3 record and led the Gorillas to an NCAA-II playoff berth in his debut season as head coach in 2024.
Anthony returned to campus in December 2023 after a six-month absence to become the Gorillas 16th all-time head coach.
He served as Pitt State's defensive coordinator from 2020-22 under former head coach Brian Wright, helping the Gorillas fashion a 21-7 record and an MIAA title and NCAA-II playoff appearance in 2022. Anthony was elevated to the role of associate head coach/defensive coordinator prior to the 2022 season.
Anthony came to Pitt State after serving as the defensive coordinator at Western Illinois University during the 2019 season. Prior to his time at WIU, Anthony served three years as defensive coordinator at Texas Southern University (2016-18). His previous stops included St. Ambrose University, Lake Erie College, Baldwin-Wallace College, Miami University of Ohio, Youngstown State University, St. Francis University and Augustana College.
Pitt State Athletics will begin a national search to fill Anthony's position.