Early Years of the Program
The University of Houston football program began in the mid-20th century, and its initial coaches laid the foundation for what would become a storied history.
1946-1960: The Foundational Coaches
1. Jack Pardee (1956-1961):
- One of the first notable head coaches, Pardee led the Cougars to their first-ever bowl game in 1956. His aggressive style of play and a strong recruiting strategy marked the beginning of a competitive program.
- Under his leadership, the Cougars achieved a 24-22-1 record.
2. Harvey P. "Bunny" Williams (1961-1964):
- Following Pardee, Williams faced challenges in maintaining the momentum. His tenure was marked by struggles on the field, resulting in a 14-26 record.
3. Bill Yeoman (1962-1986):
- Yeoman is arguably the most significant figure in the early history of the program. He introduced the veer offense, which became a hallmark of UH football.
- Under Yeoman's guidance, the Cougars achieved numerous conference championships and made several bowl appearances, including a historic run in the 1970s.
The Rise to Prominence
The 1970s and 1980s marked a golden era for the University of Houston football team, partly due to the remarkable coaching of Bill Yeoman and his successors.
1970s Boom
1. Bill Yeoman's Legacy:
- His innovative offensive strategies led the Cougars to a 111-63-8 record, making them a formidable force in college football.
- The Cougars' 1976 season was particularly notable, culminating in a trip to the Cotton Bowl.
2. Future Coaches:
- After Yeoman, the program saw coaches like Art Briles, who took over in the early 2000s. Briles revitalized the program, leading to significant success and paving the way for the team's resurgence.
1980s-1990s: Transition Period
1. Jack Pardee (1986-1989):
- Pardee returned to lead the team after Yeoman's retirement. His second stint was marked by ups and downs, with a notable highlight being the 1989 season, where the Cougars went 10-2, earning a trip to the Cotton Bowl.
2. Kim Helton (1993-1996):
- Helton brought a fresh perspective but struggled to maintain the Cougars' previous success. His tenure was characterized by inconsistent performances.
The New Millennium: Rebuilding and Resurgence
The turn of the millennium saw the University of Houston football program face significant challenges, but it also opened the door for new leadership and innovative strategies.
2000s: A New Direction
1. Art Briles (2003-2007):
- Briles' tenure was transformative. He introduced a high-octane offense that led to increased scoring and excitement on the field.
- The Cougars experienced a resurgence, culminating in a 10-win season in 2006 and a bowl game appearance.
2. Kevin Sumlin (2008-2011):
- Sumlin built on Briles' success, leading the Cougars to a 12-1 record in 2011, and a memorable victory in the TicketCity Bowl.
- He was known for his recruiting prowess and ability to develop talent, which attracted national attention to the program.
2010s: Continued Success and Challenges
1. Tony Levine (2011-2014):
- After Sumlin's departure, Levine took over as head coach. His era saw mixed results, but he did lead the Cougars to a bowl game in 2013.
- The transition period was challenging as the program sought to maintain its competitive edge.
2. Tom Herman (2014-2016):
- Herman revitalized the program, leading the Cougars to a 13-1 record in 2015, including a Peach Bowl victory over Florida State.
- His tenure elevated the program's profile nationally, leading to his eventual departure to a Power Five school.
The Recent Era
The University of Houston football program has continued to evolve with recent coaching hires, marking a new chapter in its storied history.
Major Applewhite (2016-2018)
- Applewhite, a former player at UH, took over amidst high expectations. His tenure included a 7-5 season in 2017 and a bowl appearance.
- However, inconsistent performances led to a coaching change after the 2018 season.
Dana Holgorsen (2019-Present)
- Holgorsen, known for his offensive mind and previous success at West Virginia, took the helm in 2019.
- Under his leadership, the Cougars have focused on modernizing the program and returning to national prominence.
Legacy and Impact
The history of coaches at the University of Houston has been instrumental in shaping the football program into what it is today. Each coach has left their mark, contributing to a legacy of resilience, innovation, and competitiveness.
Key Achievements of the UH Football Program
- Multiple conference championships
- Several bowl game appearances, including prestigious ones like the Cotton Bowl and Peach Bowl
- Notable players who have transitioned to successful careers in the NFL
Conclusion
The University of Houston football coaches history reflects a journey of growth and transformation. From its early days under pioneers like Jack Pardee and Bill Yeoman to the recent leadership of Dana Holgorsen, the Cougars have experienced highs and lows but have always maintained a commitment to excellence. As the program continues to evolve, the legacy of its coaches will undoubtedly influence future generations, ensuring that the spirit of competition and innovation remains at the forefront of University of Houston football.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first head coach of the University of Houston football team?
The first head coach of the University of Houston football team was J. E. 'Eddie' McCarty, who led the team from 1946 to 1949.
Which University of Houston football coach is known for leading the team to its first major bowl appearance?
Coach Bill Yeoman is known for leading the University of Houston to its first major bowl appearance in the 1976 Peach Bowl.
What notable offensive strategy did coach John Jenkins introduce during his tenure?
Coach John Jenkins introduced the run and shoot offense during his tenure from 1982 to 1989, which significantly transformed the team's play style.
Who is the most successful coach in University of Houston football history?
Bill Yeoman is considered the most successful coach in University of Houston football history, with a record of 114-63-8 and multiple conference championships.
Which coach led the Cougars to a national ranking in the 2015 season?
Tom Herman led the Cougars to a national ranking in the 2015 season, finishing with a record of 13-1 and winning the Peach Bowl.
How long did Art Briles serve as head coach at the University of Houston?
Art Briles served as head coach at the University of Houston from 2003 to 2007 before moving on to Baylor University.
What was the outcome of the University of Houston football team's performance under coach Major Applewhite?
Under coach Major Applewhite, the University of Houston football team had mixed success, with a record of 15-11 from 2016 to 2018.
Which University of Houston football coach was known for his emphasis on player discipline and development?
Coach Dana Holgorsen, who took over in 2019, is known for his emphasis on player discipline and development, aiming to build a competitive program.
What major achievement did the University of Houston football team accomplish in the 1989 season?
In the 1989 season, the University of Houston football team achieved a major milestone by finishing with a 10-1 record and earning a spot in the Cotton Bowl Classic.
