Major Applewhite Reportedly Named New Houston Head Coach

After the departure of Tom Herman, the University of Houston reportedly set its sights on some notable names for its next head football coach. However, the school has reportedly found its guy.

Defensive coordinator Todd Orlando had previously been named the team's interim head coach.

Continue for updates.

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Major Applewhite Reportedly Named Houston Coach

Friday, Dec. 9

Houston offensive coordinator Major Applewhite has been named Houston's new head coach, per Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle. Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports confirmed the move.

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Kiffin Previously Thought to be Houston's Choice

Thursday, Dec. 8

USA Today's Dan Wolken tweeted, "Houston has decided on Lane Kiffin, president to OK the hire at a Thursday meeting."

However, ESPN's Brett McMurphy and Feldman later reported that a decision had not been made and no offer had been extended. McMurphy, citing sources, also reported that Houston offensive coordinator Applewhite and Orlando are finalists for the vacant position, along with Kiffin.

“As far as I know, I don’t think anything has been decided officially," Alabama head coach Nick Saban told reporters later on Thursday. "We’re very supportive of Lane in terms of being [a head coach] again.”

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Fedora Reportedly Turned Down Houston

Thursday, Dec. 8

Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports reported that North Carolina head coach Larry Fedora was offered the Houston job and turned it down. Dodd noted that the offer was not made recently.

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Houston Denies Interest in Briles

Saturday, Dec. 3

Houston released a statement on its reported interest in former Baylor head coach Art Briles, per Duarte:

McMurphy previously reported that Briles was proposed as a candidate to be interviewed for Houston's head coaching job by Houston's board chairman Tilman Fertitta. However, Travis Haney of 247Sports reported that Houston will not interview Briles for the position.

Fertitta has denied reports that he pushed for Briles, per Steven Godfrey of SB Nation:

"

Tilman Fertitta on reports he pushed for Art Briles: https://t.co/JJbGyUpvhj pic.twitter.com/IHrZE6hnF9

— Steven Godfrey (@38Godfrey) December 3, 2016"

On Nov. 26, Duarte reported that Briles, who coached the Cougars from 2003 to 2007, was receiving consideration.

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Miles Among Candidates for Position

Thursday, Dec. 1

McMurphy reported that former LSU head coach Les Miles "has been contacted" regarding the opening.

"Miles has always recruited Texas (while head coach at LSU and Oklahoma State) and has friends in Houston," a source told McMurphy. "It could be what Miles is looking for."

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Houston Releases Statement on Herman's Departure

Saturday, Nov. 26

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Holgorsen Among Early Names Linked to Cougars

Saturday, Nov. 26

Duarte reported that the Cougars may target former offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, now the head coach at West Virginia.

Heather Dinich of ESPN.com reported that Texas will officially announce Herman as its next coach on Nov. 26. The 41-year-old emerged as the hottest name in college football coaching circles after leading Houston to a 22-4 record over the last two seasons. He will replace Charlie Strong, who was officially fired on Nov. 26 after three years in Austin.

It's unclear whether Holgorsen will be interested in a return to his old stomping grounds.

Holgorsen would be the clear top choice of the two. While he hasn't led West Virginia to consistent prominence, the Mountaineers are heading to their fifth bowl game in his six seasons and may end the season ranked for the first time since 2011.

Holgorsen is 44-30 overall at West Virginia and seems to have settled in the area. He purchased a home with his family in Morgantown in 2014 and doesn't have many tangible ties to Houston. Holgorsen was on the Cougars staff for only two seasons.

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.