Holgorsen leaves Houston to run Okla. St. offense

Jan 16, 2010 - 12:40 AM STILLWATER, Okla.(AP) -- Houston offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen is leaving behind star quarterback Case Keenum and bringing his high-powered attack to Oklahoma State.

The architect of the nation's top offense was hired Friday as the offensive coordinator of the Cowboys, who finished the season ranked 70th in total offense following back-to-back years in the top 10.

A disciple of former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, Holgorsen has been involved in some of the nation's top offenses over the past decade. His offense at Houston led the nation with 563 yards and 42.2 points per game last season and finished second behind Tulsa the year before.

Prior to that, Holgorsen spent eight seasons with the Red Raiders, who have finished sixth or better in total offense every year since 2002.

"We're elated that Dana is joining our staff," Cowboys coach Mike Gundy said. "He has a great pedigree, and a history of success."

Gundy didn't immediately address what would happen to Gunter Brewer, who served as the Cowboys' offensive coordinator last season after sharing the job with Trooper Taylor the previous year. Oklahoma State averaged 367 yards and 28.4 points last season, down from 488 yards and 40.8 points a year earlier.

The Cowboys led the Big 12 in rushing for the fourth straight season but finished the year with consecutive lackluster performances, totaling just seven points and 15 first downs in losses to Oklahoma in the regular-season finale and Mississippi in the Cotton Bowl. Oklahoma State averaged 184 yards in those two games.

Complicating matters, the Cowboys will be losing their primary offensive weapons - quarterback Zac Robinson and running back Keith Toston completed their careers. Dez Bryant, an All-American at receiver in 2008, also has left school following a suspension by the NCAA and won't be back for his senior season.

Holgorsen is leaving the Cougars only days after Keenum, the nation's most prolific passer with 5,671 yards and 44 touchdowns, announced that he would be returning for his senior season instead of entering the NFL draft.

Holgorsen's offense was partially responsible for the downfall of Oklahoma State last season. The Cowboys were ranked fifth when the Cougars pulled a 45-35 upset in Stillwater behind 512 yards. The game marked both the most points and most yards allowed by OSU this season.

"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to work with coach Gundy and his program at OSU," Holgorsen said. "I want to thank head coach Kevin Sumlin and the University of Houston for my time in Houston. It's great to be a part of the Oklahoma State family and to be back in the Big 12."