Cougars Den reported late on New Years Eve that Houston and then current West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen had reached an agreement for Holgorsen to return to Houston as the program's 15th head coach.

Sources told Cougars Den that the two sides were basically waiting until after Januray 1, when Holgorsen's buyout dropped down to $1M.

That news became official today as Houston announced that Dana Holgorsen would be the new head coach at Houston.

According to SB Nation, Holgorsen signed a five year, $20M deal. This will make Holgorsen the highest paid coach in group of five history.

But with Houston paying Holgorsen like a power five school this allows the deal to be possible. The move to fire Applewhite after just two seasons didn't come without criticism, but kudos to Houston for making a "Big Boy" move to position themselves as a perennial power from the G5 ranks as they look to continue to compete with schools in the Power five.

With the current talent Houston has and the recruiting hotbed that comes from being located in the largest metropolitan area of the talent rich state of Texas the sky is the limit for Houston with Holgorsen at the helm.

It was widely talked about that Holgorsen's tenure at West Virginia was on the rocks, Holgorsen was the top target on Houston's short list two years ago when they Hired Major Applewhite, but at the time the timing just wasn't right. Fast forward two years later and everything just kind of fell into place.

“I’m beyond excited for the opportunity to return to Houston and lead this program. This city and the University of Houston has unlimited potential and I am honored to be a part of it. I’d like to thank Tilman Feritta, Renu Khator and Chris Pezman for their trust in my plan,” said Holgorsen in a release from the University of Houston. “I look forward to meeting our student-athletes and establishing a culture that thrives on championship competition, on and off the field.”

The introductory press conference will be held at 2 p.m. in the TDECU Stadium Club and the public is invited to attend.