HOUSTON TAGS APPLEWHITE AS ITS NEW COACH

houston» The University of Houston didn’t search far in replacing football coach Tom Herman.

Major Applewhite, who served as Herman’s offensive coordinator the past two seasons, was promoted to the top job Friday. It will be the first head coaching job for the 38year-old Applewhite.

“We had our sights set on a focused competitor who has demonstrated success and possesses a deep connection to college and high school football in the great state of Texas,” Houston athletic director Hunter Yurachek said. “As this process was completed, it was clearly evident the only individual to offer our position to was Major Applewhite, and he was indeed the right man to lead our program.”

Herman recently left Houston to become the coach at Texas after two years with the Cougars, and there was speculation Houston might hire Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. Instead, Houston went with Applewhite, a Louisiana native who nonetheless has deep ties and familiarity with Texas.

FAU pursuing Kiffin

B boca raton, fla.» Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is being pursued by Florida Atlantic to become the Owls’ next head coach.

Kiffin and the Owls have had discussions, and Kiffin is weighing his options.

Strong talking to USF.

Former Texas coach Charlie Strong has had preliminary talks with South Florida officials about the Bulls’ head coaching job, and Strong was scheduled to meet with USF officials Friday.

South Florida is looking for a replacement for Willie Taggart, who left to take the Oregon head coaching job. The Associated Press