Todd Orlando Named Texas DC: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

Tom Herman is bringing a key piece of his coaching staff with him from the Houston Cougars to the Texas Longhorns, as Todd Orlando has been hired as Texas' defensive coordinator.

Texas confirmed the hire Monday after Pete Thamel of Sports Illustrated reported Saturday that Orlando would sign a three-year deal worth more than $1 million per season.

Orlando was Houston's defensive coordinator for two seasons under Herman after previous stints at Connecticut, Florida International and Utah State in the same role.

Per Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston, Orlando was one of four finalists to replace Herman as Houston's head coach after he left for Texas, but the Cougars promoted former offensive coordinator Major Applewhite instead.

Houston is tied for 27th in the nation this season in scoring defense and third in rush yards allowed per game at 97.9.

The Cougars were also No. 1 in the country in forcing turnovers last season.

Texas is tied for 89th overall in points allowed per game in the high-scoring Big 12, but Orlando's arrival should kick-start the struggling unit.

The combination of Herman and Orlando led Houston to a 22-4 record over the past two seasons, while Texas went just 10-14 during that same span.

If Orlando does for Texas' defense what he did at Houston, the Longhorns could be on track to returning to national prominence.

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