The Houston Cougars have officially reached out for permission to interview West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen about their coaching vacancy Monday as momentum continues to build toward Holgorsen leaving Morgantown, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Holgorsen's buyout with West Virginia drops from $2.5 million to $1 million on Tuesday.
Since the end of the season, West Virginia and Holgorsen had been negotiating an extension, pay raise and larger buyout on his contract, according to a source. Holgorsen, however, asked for more than West Virginia was willing to offer, leading to a stalemate.
Another source told ESPN that Holgorsen has not been in touch with his coaching staff since the Mountaineers' 34-18 loss to Syracuse in the Camping World Bowl on Friday.