Holgorsen's contract with Houston marks the richest deal in school historyCHRIS PEZMAN
Dana Holgorsen will be introduced today as the new Univ. of Houston football coach after agreeing to a five-year, $20M contract, the "richest deal in school history," according to sources cited by Joseph Duarte of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. The $4M annual salary for the former West Virginia coach is the "highest for a non-Power Five coach" and reflects an "all-in effort by UH officials who hope Holgorsen can reinvigorate a program." UH just three seasons ago was "playing in a New Year’s Six Bowl and a candidate for Big 12 expansion." The school has made a "commitment to athletic upgrades in the past five years, including the opening of 40,000-seat TDECU Stadium and an indoor practice facility." However, the team on the field has "not lived up to expectations" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 1/3). In Houston, Brian Smith writes by hiring Holgorsen, UH has brought "national relevancy" and "instant buzz." However, the question is whether Holgorsen can "consistently fill" TDECU Stadium. Not even former UH and current Univ. of Texas coach Tom Herman "could do that." A big problem is that the "two biggest college football teams in Houston" are UT and Texas A&M. Herman "fought all that and made UH relevant" before leaving for "something much bigger, better and brighter the moment there was an opening." UH "suddenly has a buzz again," but Holgorsen "must win more than he has to really make the Coogs matter" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 1/3).
