Defensive coordinator Todd Orlando is leaving the Houston Cougars to join former coach Tom Herman with the Texas Longhorns.
New Houston coach Major Applewhite, who coached the Cougars in a Las Vegas Bowl loss to San Diego State on Saturday, announced postgame that Orlando is leaving for Texas.
Orlando told the Houston Chronicle after the game that he had informed Houston players of his exit earlier this week, saying he "didn't want to become a distraction" during bowl week. He also said he hasn't signed a contract with Texas but expects to head to Austin and begin his job on Monday.
He told the Chronicle that Applewhite was "an unbelievable hire" for Houston, but that he's not "one to pace around into circles," because his aim is to be a head coach at some point.
At Texas, Orlando joins defensive line coach Oscar Giles, offensive line coach Derek Warehime, special teams coordinator/cornerback coach Jason Washington, tight ends coach Corby Meekins, associate head coach/co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Craig Naivar and strength and conditioning coach Yancy McKnight as former Houston coaches.