On December 24, the Houston Cougars announced the promotion of Shawn Bell from passing game coordinator to assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach. This transition comes after two successful seasons under head coach Willie Fritz, during which Bell played a pivotal role in the development of quarterbacks Conner Weigman and Zeon Chriss-Gremillion. His strategic insights were instrumental in achieving notable upset victories over ranked teams such as No. 17 Kansas State and TCU last season.
Fritz has publicly commended Bell’s coaching acumen and his character, emphasizing the positive environment he fosters. “He does a great job recruiting and excels in his role,” Fritz noted. The head coach also praised Bell’s ability to maintain harmony in the quarterback room, stating, “The kids really like him, and he doesn’t have any drama.” This is a quality that Fritz values highly, as he aims to create a cohesive and focused team culture.
Bell’s promotion is part of an ongoing evolution of the Cougars’ coaching staff, which has been a topic of great interest following the recent regular season. His reputation as a capable recruiter and effective coach is setting a strong tone for future recruitment efforts and team performance.
A native of Texas and former quarterback at Baylor University, Bell began his coaching career in high school before transitioning to collegiate coaching at Baylor in 2017. His ascent through the ranks, where he initially served as an analyst, then as the offensive line coach, tight ends coach, and finally quarterbacks coach, showcases his multifaceted understanding of the game. Under his mentorship at Baylor, quarterbacks like Gerry Bohanon and Blake Shapen flourished, with Shapen becoming one of the program’s standout players.
Bell’s elevation to assistant head coach not only marks a personal achievement in his coaching career but also signifies the Cougars’ commitment to cultivating a winning team. With his blend of experience, leadership skills, and a strong foundation in quarterback development, Bell is poised to have a significant impact on Houston’s football program in the coming seasons. The future looks bright for the Cougars as they solidify their coaching staff and enhance their competitive edge.