Major Applewhite Announced As Next South Alabama Head Football Coach

As the retirement of former Alabama head coach Nick Saban sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape, the aftereffects of the legendary coach’s resignation are now being felt among the Group of Five.

Former South Alabama head coach Kane Wommack’s decision to leave his post with the Jaguars in order to take the defensive coordinator role 3.5 hours north with the Crimson Tide results in USA offensive coordinator and former Houston head coach Major Applewhite being named as the next head coach of the program.

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The 45-year-old former Texas quarterback and, later, assistant coach helped guide the Jaguars as one of the top offenses in the Sun Belt this season. South Alabama averaged over 33 points and 440 yards per game, both of which ranked near the top of the conference – ending the season with a decisive 59-10 win over Eastern Michigan in the 68 Ventures Bowl.

"I'm incredibly humbled and excited to be the next head football coach at the University of South Alabama," said Applewhite. "My family and I love living in Mobile, and are thankful for the opportunity to further ingrain ourselves in the community here. I'm grateful to Kane Wommack for bringing me here three years ago, and I look forward to carrying on the winning tradition that has been established. I'm excited to work with the strong and proven leadership of the administration here at South Alabama. I'm anxious to get started and quickly turn my attention back to our players, and prepare them for spring ball and the 2024 season."

This marks Applewhite's second opportunity to lead a college program. He compiled a 15-11 overall record at Houston from 2017-18 and takes over for the departed Wommack, who went 22-16 in three seasons.