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Houston Football: Top 5 candidates to replace Major Applewhite

By John Mitchell

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 03: Head coach Dana Holgorsen of the West Virginia Mountaineers watches as his team takes the field before the start of their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at FedExField on September 3, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 03: Head coach Dana Holgorsen of the West Virginia Mountaineers watches as his team takes the field before the start of their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at FedExField on September 3, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
(Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

2. Kliff Kingsbury (OC/USC)

Kliff Kingsbury generated significant interest at the collegiate level and in the NFL after he was let go by Texas Tech following a third straight losing season in Lubbock, his fourth in six seasons at the helm of his alma mater.

It was a bit curious with all the interest out there that Kingsbury would accept a position as USC’s offensive coordinator so quickly instead of weighing his options a bit more. There figured to be potential head coaching jobs that could open on the group-of-five level where Kingsbury could gain significant traction in the coaching search.

It’s especially true now that Major Applewhite was let go at Houston. Kingsbury has deep Texas ties after playing quarterback for the Red Raiders, and then spending his entire coaching career in the state up until taking the offensive coordinator job at Southern Cal.

He spent four seasons on Kevin Sumlin’s staff at Houston before joining him for a year at Texas A&M, calling the offense for Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. Kingsbury’s connection to the program, along with his reputation working with quarterbacks, could make him an intriguing option for the Cougars.

The one drawback is his failed tenure at Texas Tech, where he produced a 35-40 record over his six seasons. He never could field a competent defense, wasting talents such as future first round picks Baker Mayfield and Patrick Mahomes thanks to the ineptitude on that side of the ball.

Disciplinary issues also marred his tenure in Lubbock, with the Red Raiders consistently ranking near the bottom of the FBS in penalty yardage, seeming to make bone-headed decisions in crucial moments of every game.

Kingsbury is still highly-regarded as an offensive mind, and if he can hire the right support staff, and the right defensive coordinator, he could find success at his next head coaching stop. He’ll get the opportunity to be a head coach again soon, and it could be quicker than anticipated with this opening.

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