With the Las Vegas Bowl officially out of the way, Houston defensive coordinator Todd Orlando effectively shed his red coaching gear for burnt orange as he confirmed Saturday he will follow Tom Herman to Austin.
Todd Orlando on becoming new def. coordinator at Texas: 'It's going to be very very challenging. It's a tough league to play great defense.'
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) December 18, 2016
The move was all but a formality once Major Applewhite was announced as Houston’s new head coach last Friday.
Todd Orlando said he told Houston players earlier in the week. 'The kids knew. I didn't want to become a distraction.'
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) December 18, 2016
Sports Illustrated‘s Pete Thamel reported Saturday Orlando will sign a 3-year contract worth more than a million dollars a year.
Todd Orlando says he has not yet signed contract with Texas; expects to head to Austin and begin job Monday
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) December 18, 2016
Houston finished the regular season ranked 27th nationally in scoring defense, 10th in yards per play, third in rushing defense, second in yards per carry and in the top 20 in sacks and tackles for loss heading into bowl season. His unit’s 2016 season was highlighted by a 33-23 win over Oklahoma and an 11-sack performance against Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson.
With Orlando confirmed, the final two Houston assistants expected to join the Texas staff are safeties coach Craig Naivar and strength coach Yancy McKnight. Texas is still looking for an offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach and a running backs coach.