Houston hires Major Applewhite as new offensive coordinator
Former Texas and Alabama assistant Major Applewhite has returned to the college coaching ranks as Tom Herman's offensive coordinator at Houston.
By
Jerry Hinnen
•
1 min read
Please excuse new Houston coach Tom Herman if he seems just a bit busy at the moment, as he both prepares Ohio State for Oregon in his final game as the Buckeyes' offensive coordinator and attempts to piece together his first staff with the Cougars in time for National Signing Day.
The latter goal took a big step forward Thursday when Houston announced that Herman has hired former Texas and Alabama assistant Major Applewhite as his offensive coordinator.
“Major has always been innovative on the football field with a focus on an explosive offense, both as a coach and player,” said Herman. “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.”
Applewhite quarterbacked the Longhorns from 1998 to 2001, then embarked on a coaching career that saw him hired as Rice's offensive coordinator in 2006, then as the Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator for Nick Saban's first staff just one season later. The following year Applewhite joined his former head coach Mack Brown at Texas, where he would remain -- receiving a promotion from running backs coach to co-offensive coordinator in 2010 -- through Brown's departure following the 2013 season.
The hire gives Herman his coordinators on both sides of the ball, with highly successful Utah State defensive coordinator Todd Orlando already announced as Houston's new defensive coordinator.
