Willie Fritz has won at every stop in a coaching career spanning more than three decades
HOUSTON (AP) — Willie Fritz has enjoyed success at every stage of his coaching career, which spans over 30 years.
Now at Houston, the 64-year-old Fritz faces his most significant challenge yet as he steps into his first role at a power conference school. The Cougars, entering their second season in the Big 12, are expected to finish 15th out of 16 teams according to a preseason media poll.
Despite having won 23 games over the last two seasons at Tulane, Fritz remains unfazed by external skepticism regarding his new team.
“We have high expectations… We aim to win every game this season,” Fritz said.
Achieving that goal would be difficult for any team, especially one that has seen many players depart via the transfer portal following the firing of coach Dana Holgorsen. The team ended last season with a 4-8 record and a 2-7 mark in conference play during Holgorsen’s fifth year.
Fritz has strengthened his roster by recruiting numerous Texas-born players, leveraging the state’s rich talent pool. He’s excited about the ease of recruiting in Texas now that he has returned to the state after stints at Georgia Southern and Tulane, where he accumulated the second-most wins in the school’s 130-year history.
Fritz began his head coaching career at Blinn Junior College and was the head coach at Sam Houston State from 2010-13.
“We’re at the epicenter of football in the world, Houston, Texas,” he said. “I love that I didn’t have to board a plane to recruit. I just stayed in my car the whole time, and there are plenty of great players throughout Texas.”
Experienced QB Despite many of Houston’s starters transferring, the Cougars return seasoned quarterback Donovan Smith.
Smith, who transferred from Texas Tech, threw for a career-high 2,801 yards with 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions last season. He also rushed for 428 yards and six touchdowns.
After missing spring practice due to shoulder surgery, Smith is now fully recovered and ready to build on his performance from last year. Fritz praised Smith’s leadership and skills, highlighting his dual-threat capabilities and exceptional football IQ.
Smith will have a new set of receivers to target, as his top receiving options from last year have transferred. Samuel Brown, who led the team with 815 yards receiving, moved to Miami, and Matthew Golden, who had 404 yards, is now at Texas.
Joseph Manjack, who recorded 577 yards last season, remains and will lead the receiving corps.
Getting Defensive Defensive back A.J. Haulcy is the top returner on a Cougars defense in need of improvement. Last season, Houston’s defense allowed 31.5 points and 424 yards per game, including 169 rushing yards.
Haulcy led the team with 98 tackles and four pass breakups in 2023. Defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr., who followed Fritz from Tulane, is expected to make an impact. In three seasons with the Green Wave, Cooper recorded 69 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 10½ sacks.
The Schedule The Cougars kick off the season at home against UNLV on August 31, followed by a challenging matchup at No. 16 Oklahoma on September 7. They will face a tough stretch with four consecutive games against ranked opponents, starting with No. 22 Kansas on October 19. Houston will then host No. 12 Utah on October 26 and No. 18 Kansas State on November 2. After a bye week, they will travel to play No. 21 Arizona on November 15.
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