Contrary to reports, Lane Kiffin isn’t leaving Alabama to replace Tom Herman in Houston. Instead, the Cougars are promoting from within as offensive coordinator Major Applewhite has been named new head coach.
Help us congratulate and support the new leader of the #HTownTakeover – @CoachApplewhite! #MajorKeyAlert
Full info: https://t.co/nDYZLU0Nnk pic.twitter.com/hdUoDXxcT8
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) December 9, 2016
On Thursday, reports suggested Kiffin to Houston was all but done. The 41-year-old was set to transition from Crimson Tide offensive coordinator (and Nick Saban’s personal punching bag) to his first coaching gig since getting fired from USC back in 2013. But the Cougars had other plans, staying in-house with Major Applewhite.
The 38-year-old former Texas quarterback has served his time. He was a graduate assistant for Texas from 2003-2004, before taking roles as offensive coordinator and QB coach with Syracuse, Rice, and Alabama in the mid-2000s. He reunited with Texas in 2008, working his way up to co-OC and QB coach, before stepping down after Charlie Strong was hired. He joined Houston last season. Applewhite’s got plenty of experience at the college level, but hasn’t yet held a head coaching gig.
UH Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek said in a statement, Applewhite was the only person to lead the Cougars next season.
“We had our sights set on a focused competitor who has demonstrated success and possesses a deep connection to college and high school football in the great state of Texas. As this process was completed, it was clearly evident the only individual to offer our position to was Major Applewhite and he was indeed the right man to lead our program.”
After reading the statement, Kiffin be like…
Applewhite isn’t the sexiest of hirings, but continuity was clearly important following Herman’s departure. (Though there’s always the chance that Chris Simms comes in to replace him.)
Kiffin is still likely to move on, though. The Advocate reports that with Houston out, LSU is a potential landing spot for Kiffin as the new OC under Ed Orgeron. He’s also in the mix at USF, though Charlie Strong is reportedly the frontrunner there.
But then, it’s not like Kiffin hasn’t had his share of chances, either.
