NCAAF News: Major Applewhite at South Alabama
Kane Wommack Replaced: Jaguars New Coach in the Den
South Alabama is shaking things up in the coaching world as they bring in former Houston coach Major Applewhite as the Jaguars new coach to lead the charge. Applewhite, the ex-Texas quarterback and Houston coach, steps into the role of head coach for the Jaguars following Kane Wommack’s departure to Alabama. Wommack had held the reins at South Alabama for three seasons before taking on the role of Alabama’s defensive coordinator earlier in the week.
Applewhite’s Journey to the Top
At 45 years young, Major Applewhite isn’t a stranger to the South Alabama scene. He previously served as South Alabama’s offensive coordinator during Wommack’s tenure. But before his Mobile stint, Applewhite took a detour as an analyst at Alabama in 2019 and 2020, learning the ropes in Tuscaloosa and now becoming the Jaguar’s new coach.
This stopover at Alabama followed Applewhite’s time as Houston’s head coach. He took on the challenge in 2017 after Tom Herman‘s departure and led the Cougars through two seasons, ending with a record of 15-10. The Cougars were cruising at 8-4 at the end of the 2018 season, but a disastrous defeat against Army in the Armed Forces Bowl, with a scoreline of 70-14, sealed Applewhite’s fate and led to his firing.
From Texas Alum to Coach
Applewhite’s coaching journey started at his alma mater, the University of Texas, from 2008 to 2013. He even served as the team’s co-offensive coordinator in his final three seasons with the Longhorns. However, in 2013, he faced consequences from the school for an inappropriate relationship with a student athletic trainer during the 2009 Fiesta Bowl.
Back in his glory days, as a quarterback at Texas, Applewhite made his mark by throwing for 8,353 yards and 60 TDs over four seasons. He got his start as a freshman in 1998, and the following three seasons saw him in action for at least nine games each year.
With Major Applewhite taking the helm as the Jaguars new coach, South Alabama feels all set to tackle all upcoming challenges.
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