December 29 - FootballScoop first reported a rumor that the Houston Cougars were considering releasing headcoach Major Applewhite after two seasons, following an embarrassing 70-14 loss in the Armed Forces Bowl against Army Black Knights.
December 30 - Major Applewhite was officially let go, according to Stephen Godfrey of SBNation. The Houston Cougars superbooster Tillman Ferrita is supposedly ready to pony up to $20 Million to cover buyouts and staff salaries for the right coach. West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Dana Holgorsen is considered the prime target of the Cougars.
December 31 - According to Pete Thamel of Yahoo!