HOUSTON, March 23 (UPI) -- Houston named Tom Penders as its coach on Tuesday and signed him to a five-year contract.
The 58-year-old Penders is best known for leading Texas to eight NCAA Tournament appearances in 10 seasons before leaving in 1997-98 under a cloud of controversy.
Former NBA Coach John Lucas was a candidate and assistants Josh Pastner of Arizona and David Rose of Arizona also interviewed for the position.
Houston Athletic Director Dave Maggard has been searching for a coach since dismissing Roy McCallum and assigning him to a fund-raising position in the athletic department.
McCallum compiled a 44-73 record in four years with Houston, including a 9-18 mark this past season.
McCallum was the second straight failed hire for Houston, which went 19-39 under Clyde Drexler before he resigned after the 1999-2000 season.
Penders took over as Longhorns coach in 1988-89 and led them to 208 wins in 10 seasons.
