In James Ferguson’s nine seasons as Sam Houston State offensive coordinator, the Bearkats have won two Southland Conference titles, posted their two highest NCAA Football Championship Subdivision final rankings and advanced to the NCAA national quarterfinals in 2001 and the semifinals in 2004.
During his tenure, 12 offensive players have been named All-America and three (quarterbacks Josh McCown, Dustin Long and Rhett Bomar and running back D. D. Terry) have been finalists for the Walter Payton Award as NCAA Division I football championship subdivision offensive "Player of the Year". He has coached two Southland Conference "Players of the Year," one SLC "Offensive Player of the Year," and 41 Bearkats have been named All-SLC a total of 57 times. Ferguson’s offense has set 45 school records and led the Southland in passing, scoring, total offense and first downs. In 2006 and 2007, SHSU had its first ever back-to-back 1,000-yard rushers.
Before coming to SHSU, Ferguson coached football and baseball at John Tyler High School. From 1990 to 1996, he was offensive assistant at New Mexico State, working with quarterbacks and receivers. His players set 35 school passing and receiving records. Ferguson coached 17 All-Big West selections, four National Football League draft choices and two Canadian Football League quarterbacks.
From 1982 to 1988, Ferguson was an assistant coach at Stephen F. Austin State, working with running backs, tight ends, receivers, kickers and punters. He coached Larry Centers, SFA’s all-time rushing leader and tutored six of the top ten receivers in SFA history.
Ferguson received his Bachelor of Science majoring in Health and Physical Education from SFA in 1981. He holds Master of Education degrees from SFA in both Physical Education and Administrative Education. Ferguson was a cum laude graduate of Chapel Hill High School in Tyler, Texas in 1976 where he earned All-District honors as a quarterback for the Bulldog football team.
Ferguson and his wife, Eva, have one daughter, Erika.
