Defense’s showing costs D’Onofrio job
Mark D’Onofrio was relieved of his duties as defensive coordinator at the University of Houston, coach Major Applewhite announced Sunday.
D’Onofrio, 49, who joined the program as part of Applewhite’s first staff in 2017, had one year left on his contract that pays $400,000.
“I appreciate Mark for being a great professional and hard worker as part of our staff,” Applewhite said in a statement. “He and his family have shown complete dedication to the Houston football program and our student-athletes while on our team.”
A search has begun for a replacement. Outside linebackers coach Dan Carrel will call defensive plays in the Cougars’ bowl game.
The move comes two days after Houston wrapped up a 8-4 regular season with a 52-31 loss to Memphis, denying the Cougars a spot in the American Athletic Conference championship game.
UH’s had one of the worst defensive showings in school history, ending the regular season No. 97 in rushing defense (197.1 yards), No. 106 in scoring defense (34.4 points), No. 124 in total defense (488.5) and No. 129 — last in Football Bowl Subdivision — against the pass (291.4).
In four losses, Houston allowed an average 54.8 points. In one particularly embarrassing game, the Cougars allowed 63 points and 704 yards to Texas Tech.
UH was decimated by injuries with three starters (defensive ends Jerard Carter, Isaiah Chambers and Payton Turner) lost to season-ending injuries, and AllAmerica defensive tackle Ed Oliver missing all but two quarters over the final five games with a bruised knee. Top safety Garrett Davis suffered a broken foot in Week 3, and inside linebacker Darrion Owens, another projected starter, missed six games with a knee injury.
This will mark the second consecutive season that Applewhite will search for a new coordinator. Offensive coordinator Brian Johnson left for Florida last December.
Also, associate head coach/offensive coordinator Kendal Briles will interview for the vacant head-coaching job at Texas State, a person with knowledge of the situation said.
Texas State is in search of a replacement for Everett Withers, who was fired Nov. 18 after going 7-28 in three seasons.
In the first season with Briles calling the plays, UH ranks fourth in scoring (46.4) and seventh in total offense (528.6). Briles has been credited with the development of junior quarterback D’Eriq King, whose 50 total touchdowns was leading the nation until a season-ending knee injury Nov. 15.