Hey guys, sorry I have been a little out of the loop the last few days, been working on some technology issues and then prepping for a big move after the Holidays. I know it's probably the absolute worst time to not be "connected" and it definitely wasn't by choice. Finally got some things ironed out so wanted to hop on and provide some thoughts on the Applewhite hire.
A Curveball?
I was told that Houston was really targeting Lane Kiffin and that the reports that Houston was nearing a deal with Kiffin were true. I've had multiple people tell me that they were in talks with Kiffin following his interview.
A lot of folks are bringing up the large buyout and I've heard a few different tidbits from some sources close to the program in regards to that. I was told more than once, that all of the coaches knew there would be a large buyout but I was also told that Kiffin and his agent were having issues with the amount of the buyout and that was the biggest hurdle with negotiations.
Most of my insiders were surprised by the news of the Applewhite decision, I was a little late getting the news being without access to my phone/emails while I was away from home. I'm not trying to make excuses, because I wasn't prepared for that so I was just caught in a bad situation at an unfortunate time.
Thoughts on Applewhite
I do think Applewhite brings a bit of continuity to the job. There are hopes that he will be able to retain Coach Orlando as defensive coordinator, but most seem to believe he's headed for Austin with the news of him not being selected. That will be a situation worth monitoring.
I do believe he's a guy that can give Houston fans and administration what they were hoping for in a candidate that could realistically stay at Houston for several years. Though I'm sure with success other suitors will come, that's just the nature of the game.
Houston will officially introduce Applewhite on Monday in a press conference at TDECU Stadium. we'll have more on Applewhite Monday night.
Impact on Recruiting?
The hire is good for recruiting, Applewhite should be able to hang on to most of the recruiting class, specifically the offensive recruits. The defensive recruits might be harder to hang on to if Orlando does head to Austin, but the majority of the commits seemed focused on Houston with their band of brothers movement on twitter. I wouldn't expect too much attrition going forward, but the pressure will be put on by Texas who's already begun to target several Houston commits. But overall he's a highly underrated recruiter and will be able to relate to the majority of high school kids parents who should be very familiar with Applewhite from his playing days at Texas.
We've already started reaching out to commits and will have their reactions coming in throughout the next day or so. Already working on it.
As far as the future, Applewhite should be able to continue the #HtownTakeOver movement that was started years ago. His Texas ties are stronger than anyone else being considered for the job and it will be interesting to see how he assembles his staff over the next several weeks.
Again, my deepest apologies for being out of pocket the last few days, but everything is squared away now.
A Curveball?
I was told that Houston was really targeting Lane Kiffin and that the reports that Houston was nearing a deal with Kiffin were true. I've had multiple people tell me that they were in talks with Kiffin following his interview.
A lot of folks are bringing up the large buyout and I've heard a few different tidbits from some sources close to the program in regards to that. I was told more than once, that all of the coaches knew there would be a large buyout but I was also told that Kiffin and his agent were having issues with the amount of the buyout and that was the biggest hurdle with negotiations.
Most of my insiders were surprised by the news of the Applewhite decision, I was a little late getting the news being without access to my phone/emails while I was away from home. I'm not trying to make excuses, because I wasn't prepared for that so I was just caught in a bad situation at an unfortunate time.
Thoughts on Applewhite
I do think Applewhite brings a bit of continuity to the job. There are hopes that he will be able to retain Coach Orlando as defensive coordinator, but most seem to believe he's headed for Austin with the news of him not being selected. That will be a situation worth monitoring.
I do believe he's a guy that can give Houston fans and administration what they were hoping for in a candidate that could realistically stay at Houston for several years. Though I'm sure with success other suitors will come, that's just the nature of the game.
Houston will officially introduce Applewhite on Monday in a press conference at TDECU Stadium. we'll have more on Applewhite Monday night.
Impact on Recruiting?
The hire is good for recruiting, Applewhite should be able to hang on to most of the recruiting class, specifically the offensive recruits. The defensive recruits might be harder to hang on to if Orlando does head to Austin, but the majority of the commits seemed focused on Houston with their band of brothers movement on twitter. I wouldn't expect too much attrition going forward, but the pressure will be put on by Texas who's already begun to target several Houston commits. But overall he's a highly underrated recruiter and will be able to relate to the majority of high school kids parents who should be very familiar with Applewhite from his playing days at Texas.
We've already started reaching out to commits and will have their reactions coming in throughout the next day or so. Already working on it.
As far as the future, Applewhite should be able to continue the #HtownTakeOver movement that was started years ago. His Texas ties are stronger than anyone else being considered for the job and it will be interesting to see how he assembles his staff over the next several weeks.
Again, my deepest apologies for being out of pocket the last few days, but everything is squared away now.
