Dana Holgorsen Named Next Head Coach At U of H

HOUSTON, TX — The University of Houston announced Wednesday that former West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen will be the 15th head coach in University of Houston Football history.

The announcement was made just before noon Wednesday on the U of H athletics website by Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dana back to Houston as the next leader of our Football program. His offensive acumen with an emphasis on student-athlete development, on and off the field, is a perfect fit for our program, University and city," Pezman said in a press release. "We are looking forward to Dana connecting with our student-athletes and taking over a program that is primed for continued success at the highest level."

University officials wasted very little time this week to fill the head coaching vacancy that came with the firing of UH head football coach Major Applewhite on Dec. 31.

Holgorsen, who was the U of H offensive coordinator during the 2008-09 seasons, went on to become the head coach at West Virginia, where he remained for eight full seasons.

Holgorsen closed out his tenure at West Virginia as the program's second-most winningest coach, finishing with an eight-year record of 61-41. His 61 wins trailed only College Football Hall of Famer Don Nehlen for most wins in West Virginia history.

Houston officially announces hire of Dana Holgorsen as the 15th head football coach in program history pic.twitter.com/4toSQKJGta
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) January 2, 2019

"I'm beyond excited for the opportunity to return to Houston and lead this program. This city and the University of Houston has unlimited potential and I am honored to be a part of it. I'd like to thank Tilman Fertitta, Renu Khator and Chris Pezman for their trust in my plan," Holgorsen said in a statement. "I look forward to meeting our student-athletes and establishing a culture that thrives on championship competition, on and off the field."

The introduction press conference will take place Thursday at 2 p.m. in the TDECU Stadium Club and the public is invited to attend.

For fans unable to make it in person, the press conference will stream on UHCougars.com and the Houston Football Facebook page.

(For more news and information like this, subscribe to Patch for free. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)

Image: Shutterstock

Send your news tips and story ideas to bryan.kirk@patch.com