Sources tell FootballScoop that new Arkansas State head coach Butch Jones is hiring former Houston head coach and current Alabama offensive analyst Major Applewhite as his offensive coordinator at Arkansas State.
The Red Wolves hired Jones late Saturday night as their replacement for Blake Anderson, who midweek accepted the head coaching post at Utah State.
Applewhite had at one time been perceived as a potential future head coach at his alma mater, Texas. He also became one of the youngest head coaches in college football when he landed the top job at the Houston.
Applewhite and Jones both have revamped their careers in recent years at Alabama under Nick Saban, with Applewhite and Jones colleagues together at Alabama since 2019. Jones also has discussed Arkansas State openings with other Alabama assistant coaches and staffers, per sources with direct knowledge.
Applewhite has previous experience as an offensive play-caller in roles at Rice, Texas, Alabama and Houston, in addition to his head coaching experience.
Jones also was looking to dip into the SEC ranks for help in off-the-field roles as well, including in player personnel and recruiting, sources with direct knowledge told FootballScoop.
Applewhite was 15-11 as head coach at Houston, but he finished 0-3 in bowl games and was replaced by former West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.