The 46-year-old admitted to the 2009 affair after it was revealed in 2013.
Highlights
- Major Applewhite had an inappropriate, consensual relationship with a student trainer during the 2009 Fiesta Bowl activities while his wife, Julie, was nine months pregnant.
- The University of Texas took immediate action upon learning of the misconduct, resulting in disciplinary measures such as a salary freeze and mandatory counseling for Applewhite.
- Despite the controversy, Major and Julie Applewhite have maintained their family life, and he continues to have a successful coaching career, currently serving as the head football coach for the University of South Alabama.
Major Applewhite, the American college football coach currently serving as the head coach of the University of South Alabama, has had his fair share of controversies. The most notable was his 2009 affair with a student trainer at the University of Texas.
In 2013, reports surfaced that Major Applewhite, then the co-offensive coordinator for the University of Texas football team, had engaged in an inappropriate, consensual relationship with an adult student during the 2009 Fiesta Bowl activities.
At the time of the incident, his wife, Julie Applewhite, was nine months pregnant with their first child.
The University of Texas addressed the situation promptly upon learning of the misconduct.
Athletic Director DeLoss Dodds stated,
Major Applewhite engaged in inappropriate, consensual behavior with an adult student one time during the 2009 Fiesta Bowl activities. After learning of his behavior later that month, I took immediate action to review the situation.
Business Insider
Applewhite admitted to the conduct but was allowed to remain on staff, though he faced some disciplinary actions, such as a salary freeze and mandatory counseling.
In a public statement, Applewhite said,
Several years ago, I made a regretful decision resulting in behavior that was totally inappropriate. It was a one-time occurrence and was a personal matter. … Through counsel I have worked with my wife and the incident is behind us. I am regretful for my mistake and humbled by this experience. I am deeply sorry for the embarrassment it has caused my friends, family, and the University.
ESPN
Major And Julie Applewhite Met At UT And Married In 2005
Major and Julie Applewhite, University of Texas graduates, married on July 15, 2005.
They are the parents of two children: a daughter, Lila, born in March 2009, and a son, Nash, born in April 2016.
My boy’s first college football game (he loves the Coogs)! He was pleased with the “W” and is almost there with the Coog paw… pic.twitter.com/tZvsQH68X9
— Major Applewhite (@CoachApplewhite) September 8, 2018
Despite the challenges posed by Major’s demanding coaching career and the personal indiscretions that came to light, the couple has maintained their family life.
They reside in Mobile, Alabama, where Major has served as the head football coach for the University of South Alabama Jaguars since January 2024.
Major Applewhite Was A Standout QB in College
Born on July 26, 1978, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Major Applewhite was a standout quarterback at the University of Texas from 1998 to 2001.
He set several school records and was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 1998 and Co-Offensive Player of the Year in 1999.
Major Applewhite finds Derek Lewis on a seam route and he wills his way in for a 42 yard TD
— Longhorn🤘Highlights (@LonghornClips) April 18, 2024
Rice Owls at Texas Longhorns
Sept. 26, 1998 pic.twitter.com/Q6ADmPPzyX
After graduating with a degree in sports management in 2002, Applewhite began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Texas.
He held various coaching positions at institutions, including Syracuse, Rice, Alabama, and Texas, before becoming the head coach at the University of Houston from 2017 to 2018.
Julie Is A Licensed Realtor
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Julie graduated from UT with a degree in psychology in 2000.
She spent most of her professional career at Fulbright & Jaworski, a global law firm, where she held various positions from 2001 to 2010.
After taking a professional hiatus, presumably to focus on her life as a mother, she reentered the workforce in July 2021, joining LLB&B, Inc. Real Estate as a licensed realtor.
Major Remains Instrumental To The Jaguars
Major Applewhite has been recognized throughout his career for his offensive acumen and leadership on the field.
His coaching career has seen him achieve great success, including taking teams to several bowl games and nurturing young athletes into major football stars like Case Keenum, Greg Ward Jr., and Jalen Hurts.
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Pep Rally tonite. Welcomed some new students/Jags from Gulfport to #OurCity ! Come join us next Saturday 4PM…North Texas…it’s that time! pic.twitter.com/WI86ixXqsw
— Major Applewhite (@CoachApplewhite) August 23, 2024
He continues to shine at South Alabama, leading the team to a significant victory in the Salute to Veterans Bowl, defeating Western Michigan 30-23.
Applewhite’s offensive strategies have been instrumental in the team’s success. His innovative play-calling and ability to develop quarterbacks have made South Alabama’s offense one of the most dynamic in the Sun Belt Conference.
Additional Information
- During his time as a quarterback at the University of Texas, Major Applewhite set several school records, including the longest pass play (97 yards) and most yards passing in a game (473 yards).
- At 27, Applewhite became the youngest offensive coordinator in the history of the Big 12 Conference when he was hired by Rice University in 2006.
