Houston hires Major Applewhite as offensive coordinator
New Houston head coach Tom Herman hired a coach who is very familiar with the state of Texas to be his offensive coordinator.
The school announced Thursday that Major Applewhite, the record-setting Texas quarterback and longtime collegiate assistant, will lead the Houston offense and serve as quarterbacks coach.
Applewhite did not coach in 2014, but he previously spent seven seasons as an assistant – including four seasons as co-offensive coordinator – at Texas under Mack Brown.
“Major has always been innovative on the football field with a focus on an explosive offense, both as a coach and player,” Herman said. “He is bright and has been on an elevated level in our profession beginning early in his career. Along with his offensive background, he is very well-respected in the state of Texas which will provide benefits on the recruiting trail.”
Before coaching at his alma mater, Applewhite spent a year as offensive coordinator at Alabama in 2007 – Nick Saban’s first year as head coach. He also had stints at Rice as offensive coordinator and at Syracuse as a quarterbacks coach.
During his playing career at Texas from 1998-2001, Applewhite threw for 8,353 yards, 60 touchdowns and 28 interceptions.
Before confirming the hire of Applewhite, Herman also hired Todd Orlando as defensive coordinator, Craig Naivar as assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator, Jason Washington as special teams coordinator and cornerbacks coach, Drew Mehringer as wide receivers coach and Corby Meekins as tight ends coach.
Herman will round out his tenure as Ohio State offensive coordinator in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday night against Oregon.
For more Houston news, visit CougarsDen.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
