Returning to Texas as a graduate assistant, Applewhite served in that position until early 2005 when he was offered the position of quarterbacks coach at Syracuse University by new head coach Greg Robinson, Texas' former defensive coordinator. On January 8, 2006, after one year at Syracuse (in which the Orange posted a 1-10 record), Rice University named Applewhite offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under new head coach Todd Graham.[5] Graham said of Applewhite's expected contribution to the new staff, "We want to spread the field and throw the football, and every quarterback and receiver in this state will be interested in Rice with Major as our offensive coordinator."[6] At Rice, Applewhite moved the team away from the wishbone offense and moved them to a more modern, one-running-back formation similar to that used by Texas.[3] During his one season at Rice, the team posted a 7-6 record and attended its first bowl game in over forty years.
Applewhite was hired on January 13, 2007, by the head coach at Alabama, Nick Saban, to serve as the offensive coordinator for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. Major has since made a big showing in the early parts of recruiting for the 2008 signing class and has taken the lead on recruiting for the Crimson Tide in Texas. With many of the connections he has from Texas and Rice, Major has helped Alabama become a big name for top offensive high school players in Texas.[7]
