Willie Fritz, 63, has been introduced as the new head coach of the University of Houston's football team. This marks Fritz's first job at a Power 5 school after 31 years of coaching, during which he won at every stop. Fritz comes to Houston after spending eight successful seasons at Tulane, where he was named American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in the last two seasons and led the team to consecutive conference championship games.

Why It Matters

Fritz's hiring as the head coach of Houston's football program is significant because it reflects the university's commitment to reviving and improving their football program, which has struggled in recent years. Fritz's track record of success and his experience in the region make him a suitable candidate to turn the program around. His appointment also demonstrates the increasing competition among universities to hire top coaching talent.

By the Numbers
  • Fritz has 208 career victories, ranking him fifth among active FBS coaches.
  • Tulane won 23 games since the start of the 2022 season, placing them fourth-most in the country.
  • Tulane won 15 conference games during that span, ranking them fifth in the nation.
State of Play
  • Fritz was hired as Houston's head coach after Dana Holgorsen was fired following a disappointing 4-8 season.
  • The University of Houston recently moved from the American Athletic Conference to the Big 12, which has brought attention and interest to the football program.
  • Fritz's strong ties to the area and his plans to recruit heavily in Texas indicate a focus on building the team with local talent.
What's Next

It remains to be seen how Fritz will fare as the head coach of Houston's football program. The university hopes that his hiring will lead to a turnaround similar to what coach Kelvin Sampson achieved with the basketball program. The success of the football program is crucial for Houston to maintain its national relevance and athletic program stature.

Bottom Line

Willie Fritz's hiring as the head coach of Houston's football program brings optimism and high expectations for the future of the team. With his successful track record and plans to recruit local talent, Fritz has the potential to turn the program around and bring sustainable national relevance to Houston's football program.