Houston defensive coordinator Joe Cauthen will not return in 2021 after two seasons. The news was first reported by FootballScoop.
Cauthen came to Houston as part of Dana Holgorsen's first staff. He was a highly successful defensive coordinator at Arkansas State under Blake Anderson and is known for producing some of the most aggressive defenses in the sport.
Under Cauthen's watch, the Cougars ranked No. 55 in total defense and No. 16 in sacks per game. Defensive end Payton Turner and linebacker Grant Stuard are both expected to be NFL draft picks.
With Cauthen gone, Houston is expected to promoted Doug Belk to defensive coordinator. Belk is a highly-respect up-and-comer who was being considered for roles on Power Five staffs. The decision keeps the assistant head coach in Houston at least another year.
Houston is 7-13 through two seasons under Holgorsen. This is the first streak of losing seasons at Houston since 2002.
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