HOUSTON – University of Houston offensive coordinator Major Applewhite was formally introduced as the school’s new head football coach on Monday.
Applewhite and other university officials held a news conference at 1 p.m. to make the official announcement.
In attendance were Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, UH President Renu Khator and UH chairman of the Board of Regents Tilman Fertitta, among others.
Before Applewhite spoke to the media, Fertitta expressed how happy he was to have Applewhite in Houston. After meeting with the committee, he said they had 100 percent agreement to make the hire and believe they got the right man for the job.
Applewhite expressed hit excitement as well. He said he was honored to be able to lead the program and called it one of the premier jobs in the country.
Applewhite grew up in Louisiana, but has spent over a decade establishing relationships with the recruiting lines in Texas.
He expressed his desire to win and also his expectations for the team.
Here at @UHouston @UHCougarFB with @CoachApplewhite @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/FKvEkPmxZw
— Randy McIlvoy (@KPRC2RandyMc) December 12, 2016
"Regardless of who the coach is, Houston is a winning program, a winning city," Applewhite said. "Nobody in this room will set a higher expectation for this football team than me. That is the facts. I've always been a winner. I will always be a winner and I will always set those expectations for our football team."
[WATCH: UH introduces Major Applewhite as new head football coach]
Officials said Friday that Applewhite’s appointment was immediate and that he will serve as head coach when the Cougars take on San Diego State in the Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday.
Applewhite replaces Tom Herman, who left last month to coach at the University of Texas.