Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is expected to be named the next head coach for the Houston Cougars. The decision will be finalized on Thursday after school President Renu Khator approves the hire.
This story’s ending is not surprising, but it does bring closure to a lot of rumors that had been circulating in regards to Kiffin’s status as Alabama’s offensive coordinator. Originally, there had been speculation that Kiffin would be named LSU’s offensive coordinator if he wasn’t given the opportunity to become a head coach somewhere. Once Tom Herman decided to leave Houston for the University of Texas after two years as the Cougars’ head coach, Kiffin was almost immediately linked to Houston as a potential replacement.
After a reported snag in negotiations between Houston and Kiffin, rumors emerged of the idea that Kiffin could potentially leave Tuscaloosa to become the next head coach at South Florida. Current Bulls’ head coach Willie Taggart had accepted the head coaching gig at Oregon, and with Kiffin’s ties to the area — Kiffin’s father Monte was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive coordinator from 1996-2008 — it was expected that Kiffin would have a strong interest in the job.
Ultimately, Kiffin and Houston’s brain trust were able to come together to iron out the last few wrinkles, and as a result, this saga looks like it is finally coming to a close.
