 Whitten is the winningest coach in the school's senior college era.In 2005, he accepted an offer by Sam Houston State to succeed longtime coach Ron Randleman.While at Sam Houston, Whitten produced the school's first back to back 1,000 yards rusher in 2006 and 2007, finished the 2008 season ranked sixth nationally in total offense, directed the University's all-time leader in both passing and total offense (Rhett Bomar), coached eight All-Americans and 63 all-conference players.