EDIT for new names mentioned.
This is not meant as a post for or against any particular guy, just wanted to put a list together of potential new OCs. For reference, I have included current salaries of candidates to compare with Brian Johnson’s UH salary of $440k. Feel free to add other names.
Kendal Briles, Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach, Florida Atlantic, $350k
Pros-Dynamic offensive mind, relentless recruiter, deep ties to Texas high school football, UH alumni
Cons-Rumors abound of shady recruiting tactics, tainted by involvement in the Baylor scandal
Graham Harrell, Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach at North Texas, $235k
Pros-Dynamic offense, deep ties to the state of Texas
Cons-Different offensive philosophy(Air Raid), not very experienced
Jason Phillips, former Wide Receivers Coach/Passing Game Coordinator at Oregon State, $220k
Pros-Deep ties to the University of Houston, can recruit lights out in Texas and Louisiana
Cons-Limited playcalling experience, limited relationship with existing staff
Doug Meacham, Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers coach at Kansas, $520k
Pros-Experience at UH(albeit just 1 season), over a decade coaching and recruiting in this area
Cons-Limited relationship with existing staff, higher-priced option
Brian Wright, Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach at Toledo, $146k
Pros-Runs a dynamic offense, Finalist for Broyles Award in 2017
Cons-Was fired as OC at FAU in 2015, no experience in Texas or with current staff
Matt Kubik, Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach at Louisiana-Monroe, $120k
Pros-High octane offense, deep ties to Louisiana and east Texas
Cons-Not much experience at FBS level, no relationship with existing staff
Drew Mehringer, Wide Receivers Coach/Passing Game Coordinator at Texas, $350k
Pros-Deep relationship with current staff, Helped recruit many of the current players at UH
Cons-Similar situation to Johnson, bright young offensive mind who was unsuccessful in his first play-calling experience, albeit at Rutgers
Ryan Day, Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach at Ohio State, $400k
Pros-Established playcaller at college and NFL levels, deep experience with dual threat QBs
Cons-No ties to Texas, would he leave OSU for playcalling duties here
Kenny Edenfield, Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach at Troy, $150k
Pros-Proven OC at the FBS level, has worked under multiple HCs
Cons-No Texas ties, Has not worked above Sun Belt level
Tim Cramsey, Offensive Coordinator at Sam Houston State, Salary not available
Pros-Explosive offenses at FCS level
Cons-Limited experience in Texas, no relationship with current staff.
Bob Stitt, Former Head Coach at Montana & Colorado School of Mines
Pros-Arguably the most cutting edge offensive mind in college football, credited with many spread concepts
Cons-Mediocre record as head coach, no experience in Texas
Mike Sanford, Running Backs/Special Teams Coordinator, Western Kentucky, $180k
Pros-Former head coach at UNLV & Indiana State, Former OC for Urban Meyer, familiar with current offensive scheme
Cons-No Texas experience, has bounced around in his career