UH hires Major Applewhite as new football coach

Recommended Video:

The Major just got a promotion.

Major Applewhite, who has spent the past two seasons as offensive coordinator, was named the 14th head coach at the University of Houston on Friday morning.

Applewhite, 38, was offered the job over a group of finalists that included interim coach/defensive coordinator Todd Orlando, Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin and former LSU coach Les Miles.

Applewhite received a five-year deal, comparable to Tom Herman's first deal of $1.35 million and includes incentives that could add to the total.

Applewhite will begin the job immediately and serve as head coach in the Dec. 17 Las Vegas Bowl against San Diego State. Todd Orlando will serve as defensive coordinator in the bowl game, but UH expects him to join Herman at the University of Texas.

"When we set out on our search for the new leader of our football program, we wanted a coach with great integrity who believed in our mission and truly believed in our student-athlete experience," UH athletic director Hunter Yurachek said. "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."

NO PRESSURE: Tilman Fertitta says Major Applewhite better win big at UH

This will be the first head-coaching job for Applewhite, a record-setting quarterback at the University of Texas who has been an offensive coordinator on the FBS level at Rice (2006), Alabama (2007) and seven seasons as assistant – including four seasons as co-offensive coordinator – at Texas under Mack Brown.

"My family and I are excited and honored to have the opportunity to lead such a tradition rich program and continue our lives in one of the greatest cities is the nation, a city we love," Applewhite said. "The student-athletes truly are the backbone of every great program and as they've demonstrated over the past few years, we have an exceptional group of young men in our program, and we'll continue to add men with great character and a competitive drive in our recruiting. Living in the best state for high school football is a true blessing and advantage for our program and I cannot be more thankful for the support of our outstanding high school coaches from throughout the state."

SO LONG: Applewhite hire likely means Todd Orlando to head to Texas

UH offensive coordinator Major Applewhite photographed on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) UH offensive coordinator Major Applewhite photographed on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close UH hires Major Applewhite as new football coach 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

Applewhite sat out one season before joining Tom Herman as offensive coordinator at quarterbacks coach at Houston.

Applewhite has widely been credited with the development of dual-threat quarterback Greg Ward Jr.

"Major Applewhite is a huge reason we've won 22 games in the last two seasons and I'm excited that he's our head coach," University of Houston System Board of Regents chairman Tilman Fertitta said. "He has demonstrated success on the field and on the sideline throughout his career. He knows we are positioned to compete for championships and I'm confident we'll continue our success under his leadership."

DOOR WASN'T SHUT: Fertitta says Applewhite could have gone back to UT

Under Applewhite, UH's offense ranked 10th in scoring (40.4 points per game) and 20th in total offense in 2015. The season, with a slow-developing running game, injuries on the offensive line and a banged up Ward, the Cougars ranked 15th in passing (301.9 yards), 21st in scoring (38.0) and 34th in total offense (459.2).

Applewhite has strong recruiting ties to Texas and in Louisiana, where he played high school.

"It's no coincidence that the success UH football has achieved over the past two seasons happened with Major Applewhite running our offense," UH president Renu Khator said. "His energy and creativity are responsible for one of the most explosive passing games in college football and I am confident that as our head coach he will continue our upward trajectory as a nationally relevant athletics program."

GET TO KNOW THE COACH: Everything you need to know about Major Applewhite

As a collegiate player, Applewhite set several Texas records, going 22-8 as the starter and leading the Longhorns to a four straight bowl appearances. He was the co-Big 12 offensive player of the year.

By having a coach in place, Applewhite can immediately begin to recruit with the NCAA dead period set to begin Monday. UH's current class has 18 commitments following the loss of two players after Herman's departure.