Tom Herman hasn’t fully invested himself into his role as the new head coach of the Houston Cougars, but he still found the time between his National Championship Game preparation as part of the Ohio State’s staff to hire another coordinator.
The school announced Thursday that former Texas Longhorns offensive coordinator Major Applewhite will serve as Herman’s offensive coordinator.
“Major has always been innovative on the football field with a focus on an explosive offense, both as a coach and player,” Herman said in a statement released by the school. “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 was out of football during the 2014 season after spending the previous six seasons as part of Mack Brown‘s staff. During his final three seasons in Austin, Applewhite served as the Longhorns’ co-offensive coordinator.
The paths of these two coaches previously crossed.
While Applewhite was a quarterback at the University of Texas, Herman just started his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the program. Apparently, their mutual admiration didn’t diminish during the following 14 years.
Applewhite is already Herman’s sixth hire to his evolving coaching staff. The new coordinator joins previously named defensive coordinator Todd Orlando, co-defensive coordinator Craig Naiver, special teams coordinator Jason Washington, wide receivers coach Drew Mehringer and tight ends coach Corby Meekins.
