After spending 10 of his first 11 seasons at the collegiate level as an assistant at Boise State, Bryan Harsin parlayed that résumé into the offensive coordinator gig at Texas in 2011. The co-offensive coordinator gig, to be technically correct.
Less than two years later, Harsin has parlayed that into his first head-coaching gig.
Multiple media outlets reported late Tuesday night that Harsin has accepted the the head coaching job at Arkansas State. The move is a rather rapid one as Harsin interviewed for the job the same day he reportedly was offered and accepted the position.
Harsin (pictured, right) would replace Gus Malzahn, who left ASU earlier this month after one year on the job for Auburn.
While the Red Wolves have yet to confirm Harsin’s hiring, the school did issue a release Wednesday morning which stated they will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. ET today to introduce the program’s new head football coach.
During his two seasons in Austin, which included the title of quarterbacks coach as well, Harsin was the primary play-caller even as he held the co-coordinator with Major Applewhite (pictured, left). After finishing 2011 55th (28.1 points per game) and 86th (189.9 yards per game) in the nation in scoring and passing offense, respectively, UT has improved to 24th (36.1 ppg) and 40th (265 ypg) thus far this season.
Applewhite will take over Harsin’s play-calling duties as well as the title of QBs coach, meaning a new running backs coach will be hired as Applewhite had previously handled that position. The Longhorns will continue with the two-coordinator approach as wide receivers coach Darrell Wyatt will be promoted to co-offensive coordinator.