STEPHENVILLE ? Tarleton Athletics Director Lonn Reisman announced the resignation of Texan Head Football Coach Todd Whitten on Thursday. Whitten, who has spent six seasons at the helm of the Tarleton football squad, was released from his contract to take the head position at NCAA Division I-AA Sam Houston State University in Huntsville.

"This is a compliment to Tarleton and the overall quality of our football program. I would like to thank Todd and his staff for helping Tarleton football become a national contender year after year," Reisman said. "We appreciate all that Todd has done for the Texan football program, and we wish him well in his future endeavors."

Whitten has led the Texans to a 34-12 record over the last four seasons, directing Tarleton to three straight LSC division titles from 2001-03. Whitten coached the Texans to NCAA Division II playoff appearances in 2001 and 2003. The Texans finished the 2004 season 7-4 overall and 3-2 in Lone Star Conference North Division play.

"We are committed to continued excellence with the Texan football program," Resiman said. "A national search will begin immediately and every effort will be made to secure the best candidate."

SHSU athletics director, Bobby Williams, contacted Reisman asking permission to talk with Whitten. Whitten was selected from a pool of four finalists after final interviews were conducted on Jan. 18-19.

Whitten spent a total of six seasons at the helm of the Texans. Tarleton was 45-22 overall under his direction and compiled a 35-16 LSC division record. He was named the LSC South Division Coach of the Year in 1996 and 2001 before claiming North Division Coach of the Year honors in 2002 and 2003.

The Texans reached the NCAA Division II quarterfinals in 2001 after claiming the 2001 LSC Championship. Tarleton made it to the NCAA Division II opening round in 2003.

To date, Whitten has coached eight All-Americans, 29 all-region selections, 38 first team All-LSC members, 22 second team All-LSC selections, 20 honorable mention All-LSC honorees and 12 academic all-conference selections. He has also coached 23 Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll selections, two Harlin Hill Trophy regional finalists, eight Cactus Bowl All-Stars and 16 LSC Award winners, including this year's North Division Offensive Lineman of the Year, Co-Linebacker of the Year, Defensive Back of the Year and Co-Freshman of the Year.