No Announcement Until At Least Thursday on Applewhite's Return
The job opening for a running backs coach wasn't posted until last Wednesday, and the University of Texas must wait five business days before filling it, UT athletic director DeLoss Dodds told the Statesman.
The position became available when Ken Rucker moved into the newly created position of Director of High School Relations and Player Development. Speculation began almost immediately that Applewhite, who played quarterback for the Longhorns from 1998 to 2001, would be hired to replace Rucker.
Applewhite, now 29, became a fan favorite during his years at UT for his gutsy style of play and comeback victories. After leaving the Longhorns, he has since held coaching positions at Syracuse and Rice. He's currently the offensive coordinator at the University of Alabama under head coach Nick Saban. He's set to make $250,000 a season at Alabama, and his two-year contract has a $50,000 buyout clause.
As one of the top young coaches in college football, Applewhite could be in line to succeed Greg Davis as the Longhorns' offensive coordinator, and even as an eventual candidate for the head coaching position after Mack Brown steps down.
