Houston announces Kenith Pope as new running backs coach

Tom Herman's coaching staff in Houston is taking shape.

The team announced Friday that Kenith Pope will join Herman's staff as the Cougars' running backs coach, a position he has experience with as he also coached running backs at Iowa State from 2009-13, alongside Herman for three seasons.

Pope comes to the team with 36 years of coaching experience, most recently as outside linebackers coach at the University of Incarnate Word.

“Kenith is a well-respected veteran in our coaching profession and was a valued member of my offensive staff at Iowa State. He has had success developing running backs throughout his career, and we look forward to the knowledge he will contribute to our staff,” Herman said.

Pope looks to improve a Cougars running game that ranked a respectable 42nd nationally, gaining 183.8 yards per game.