On the heels of a 5-7 season, the staff turnover continues. The Cougars will open next season with new offensive and defensive coordinators.
UH confirmed that defensive coordinator Jaime Bryant would not return, according to the Houston Chronicle. The Cougars regressed on the defensive end after switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme preceding the season.
The Cougars ranked 62nd in total defense and 35th in scoring defense after the 2011 campaign. After the 2012 season they ranked 115th in total defense and 107th in scoring defense.
Under Bryant’s direction, the Cougars surrendered more than 30 points in nine of 12 contests, including more than 40 on seven occasions. Their issues were exacerbated on the road. In four away games, opponents averaged 50.25 points per game.
On offense, Doug Meacham joined the staff as the offensive coordinator. Meacham will transition with an offense similar to what he ran at Oklahoma State.
“The terminology is the only difference. The routes, the route combinations and the signals are all the same,” said UH graduate assistant Brayden Stringer, who was a reserve quarterback while Meacham coached at Oklahoma State. “He’s been in the same system that we’ve had. He’s been in it for years and knows the plays. We’re going to throw the ball. (Larry) McDuffey, (Deontay) Greenberry, and (Dewayne) Peace will be plenty happy with Meachum as coordinator.”
During Meacham’s tenure as tight end coach at Oklahoma State, Brandon Pettigrew was drafted in the first round.
This season, Meacham helped the Cowboy’s offense score 45.7 points per game in 2012 and averaged 547 yards. Oklahoma State inside receiver Josh Cooper ranked in the top 10 in the Big 12 in receptions per game in both 2010 and 2011.
Meacham follows Mike Nesbitt, who resigned in September after one game as offensive coordinator. Quarterback coach Travis Bush fulfilled the role of play caller for the duration of the season.
Bush and Meacham will serve as co-offensive coordinators.
