Houston hires Applewhite as offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach
Former Texas co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Major Applewhite is staying in the Lone Star State.
Applewhite, 36, was hired Thursday as Houston’s new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach as SI.com first reported. He reunites with new Cougars coach and current Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman, who was a graduate assistant at Texas when Applewhite was a quarterback.
• EVANS: Herman adds Mehringer, Naivar to Houston coaching staff
In addition to offensive savvy, Applewhite brings a wealth of important Houston-area recruiting ties to his new job and accomplished name recognition throughout Texas. He spent this past season out of coaching after not being retained by current Texas coach Charlie Strong following Mack Brown’s resignation in December 2013.
Applewhite had been an assistant for the Longhorns for seven seasons, including the last two as offensive play-caller. The Baton Rouge, La., native was offensive coordinator at Alabama in 2007 and Rice in 2006.
• EVANS: Houston gives quarterback O'Korn permission to transfer
He coached quarterbacks at Syracuse in 2005 and was a graduate assistant at Texas from 2002-04 after his storied career for the Longhorns.
Herman, a graduate assistant at Texas from 1999-00, was hired by Houston last month and remains Ohio State’s offensive coordinator for Monday’s national championship game against Oregon. He replaces fired Cougars coach Tony Levine, who had a 21-17 record in just over three seasons.
• HAMILTON: Herman balances numerous Houston, Ohio State duties
Herman won the Broyles Award this season as the nation's top assistant and his dynamic spread-option offenses in his three seasons with the Buckeyes have been among the nation’s best, breaking numerous school records.
