Saturday, January 16, 2010

Houston Cougars Should Hire Ruffin McNeill and Lincoln Riley

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 16, 2010) The University of Houston is looking for an offensive and defensive coordinator for their football team. Could recent events at Texas Tech play right into the hands of the Cougars and propel them to the next level? I think so.

The Cougars recently fired defensive coordinator John Skladany, and with the departure of offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, to Oklahoma State, Houston needs to fill both these positions with people who can step in and fill the gaps immediately.

My suggestion is hire former Texas Tech defensive coordinator and interim head coach Ruffin McNeill as the Cougars’ defensive coordinator and former Texas Tech assistant Lincoln Riley as offensive coordinator.

Both are coming off leading Texas Tech to a brilliant win over Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl and would be a perfect fit for the Cougars.

McNeill would bring credibility to the Houston defense and raise them to the next level. The Cougars spent most of the season with one of the worst defensive teams in Conference USA and spent more time trying to outscore their opponents than stop them.

His expertise and the way he relates to players and fans would fit in very nicely to head coach Kevin Sumlin’s overall team philosophy and organization.

Lincoln Riley, on the other hand, would bring the experience and knowledge of having worked up former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach.

The Cougars’ offense, which produced the most points (42.1) and yards per game (563.4) in the nation this past season, could continue in the same direction next season and perhaps get that little something extra they next under Riley’s stewardship.

In any case, hiring either one or both could take the Cougars to the next level. After the beating the Cougars took from Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl, Houston had better make their decision quick so they can get back to the drawing board and prepare to put a team on the field that can win Conference USA.

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