August in Houston means two things: blazing heat and intense preseason workouts. As the sun barely starts to peek over the horizon, Willie Fritz strides across the practice field in a grey long-sleeved shirt. On the front, the words "P.T.T.W." are emblazoned. It's not just a slogan—it's a mantra that Fritz lives by. It stands for "Play. Through. The. Whistle."
Fritz's coaching career spans over three decades, and this motto is a staple at every stop he's made. As he kicks off his inaugural season with the University of Houston, starting with a showdown against UNLV at TDECU Stadium, he's bringing this high-expectation mentality with him.
“We want to play as hard as we possibly can,” Fritz declares. “We grade effort every day. We install effort every day. People think that’s just a given, that guys are going to play hard. It’s not. I don’t care what sport you are involved with; you have to teach people how to play hard. You have to tell them what your expectations are, and they’ve got to understand it from the beginning. Don’t overlook effort. That’s something we stress on a daily basis.”
If you’ve heard a buzz around Cullen Boulevard this offseason, it’s not just the heat. It’s a seismic shift in the Cougars' culture. Fritz isn’t leaving any stone unturned. From offseason workouts to game-day rituals, he’s revamping every aspect of the program.
Fritz’s attention to detail is evident. He’s involved in every facet—from the data-driven approach to monitoring hydration, nutrition, and workload to utilizing every inch of practice space. Recently, he had graphics created to be displayed on video boards in the indoor practice facility and locker room. A staffer is even tasked with ensuring players attend their classes. Before games, the Cougars participate in a yoga session at the team hotel. And during team meals, Fritz encourages players to mix with different position groups to build camaraderie.
Safety Kentrell Webb, who’s had a front-row seat to Fritz's methods, reflects on the impact. “One of the main things coach Fritz wanted was to spread that culture around,” he says. “He knows I know what he wants and how things need to be run.” Webb notes how Fritz gets the team’s energy up by having them stand before meetings and how players and coaches exchange high-fives or daps before and after practices. “Be a good teammate,” Fritz often reminds them through a microphone he uses during practice.
Preseason camp under Fritz isn’t about fun and games. With a new staff and 63 new faces on the roster, he’s been clear: there’s no time to waste. “We were business 24/7,” Fritz asserted during his weekly radio show. “We spent every single second, minute, hour, getting better.”
Another key Fritz principle is “Coogs don’t beat the Coogs.” This philosophy underscores a no-nonsense, disciplined approach to football. In the past, a lack of discipline and fundamentals was a significant criticism of UH’s performance under former coach Dana Holgorsen. “We want to be a disciplined team,” Fritz emphasizes. “We talk about the Coogs don’t beat the Coogs. Early in the season, it’s crucial for every team. You don’t want to beat yourselves with mistakes like having the wrong number of players on the field or being in the neutral zone. It’s not complicated. We want to control the controllable.”
Fritz’s success at previous stops speaks volumes. His coaching journey includes two national junior college titles at Blinn College, 12 winning seasons in 13 years at Central Missouri, two FCS title game appearances at Sam Houston, 17 wins and a Sun Belt title at Georgia Southern, and a dramatic turnaround at Tulane, where he went from a 2-10 season to winning a conference championship and a New Year’s Six bowl game.
Now, at 64, Fritz is making his mark in the Power Four. “I did aspire to coach at the highest level of collegiate football,” he admitted at his introductory press conference.
The transformation in UH’s culture is already noticeable. Linebacker Jamal Morris reflects on last year’s disappointing 4-8 record, noting, “The tree is only as strong as the foundation. If the foundation is not strong, the tree is not going to grow well.” With Fritz’s leadership and the talent on the roster, Morris believes the team is poised for a significant leap forward.
Junior cornerback Latrell McCutchin Sr. is all in for Fritz, saying, “I’d run through a brick wall for (Fritz) right now if he asked me to.”
Fritz inherited a roster that’s seen a significant overhaul. With 36 transfers—eight of whom are projected starters—the Cougars have the second most transfer players among Power Four schools, trailing only Colorado. Fritz and his staff carefully vetted the recruits, ensuring they brought in individuals who align with their values. “I’m going to pat myself on the back. We did a good job of finding good people,” Fritz says. “I have no desire to be around a bunch of people that are problems on a daily basis. I got into this profession because it’s fun.”
Webb, who experienced the turnaround firsthand at Tulane, sees the potential with Fritz at the helm. A year before Webb signed, Tulane had a dismal 2-10 season. The next year, under Fritz’s guidance, the Green Wave went 12-2, clinched the American Athletic Conference title, and beat USC in a New Year’s Six bowl. Tulane continued its success with another 11-win season and a conference title game appearance the following year.
With Fritz’s track record and the new energy he’s bringing, the excitement around UH football is palpable. As the season opener against UNLV approaches, the Cougars are ready to put their hard work and new culture to the test.
Fritz's coaching career spans over three decades, and this motto is a staple at every stop he's made. As he kicks off his inaugural season with the University of Houston, starting with a showdown against UNLV at TDECU Stadium, he's bringing this high-expectation mentality with him.
If you’ve heard a buzz around Cullen Boulevard this offseason, it’s not just the heat. It’s a seismic shift in the Cougars' culture. Fritz isn’t leaving any stone unturned. From offseason workouts to game-day rituals, he’s revamping every aspect of the program.
Fritz’s attention to detail is evident. He’s involved in every facet—from the data-driven approach to monitoring hydration, nutrition, and workload to utilizing every inch of practice space. Recently, he had graphics created to be displayed on video boards in the indoor practice facility and locker room. A staffer is even tasked with ensuring players attend their classes. Before games, the Cougars participate in a yoga session at the team hotel. And during team meals, Fritz encourages players to mix with different position groups to build camaraderie.
Safety Kentrell Webb, who’s had a front-row seat to Fritz's methods, reflects on the impact. “One of the main things coach Fritz wanted was to spread that culture around,” he says. “He knows I know what he wants and how things need to be run.” Webb notes how Fritz gets the team’s energy up by having them stand before meetings and how players and coaches exchange high-fives or daps before and after practices. “Be a good teammate,” Fritz often reminds them through a microphone he uses during practice.
Preseason camp under Fritz isn’t about fun and games. With a new staff and 63 new faces on the roster, he’s been clear: there’s no time to waste. “We were business 24/7,” Fritz asserted during his weekly radio show. “We spent every single second, minute, hour, getting better.”
Another key Fritz principle is “Coogs don’t beat the Coogs.” This philosophy underscores a no-nonsense, disciplined approach to football. In the past, a lack of discipline and fundamentals was a significant criticism of UH’s performance under former coach Dana Holgorsen. “We want to be a disciplined team,” Fritz emphasizes. “We talk about the Coogs don’t beat the Coogs. Early in the season, it’s crucial for every team. You don’t want to beat yourselves with mistakes like having the wrong number of players on the field or being in the neutral zone. It’s not complicated. We want to control the controllable.”
Fritz’s success at previous stops speaks volumes. His coaching journey includes two national junior college titles at Blinn College, 12 winning seasons in 13 years at Central Missouri, two FCS title game appearances at Sam Houston, 17 wins and a Sun Belt title at Georgia Southern, and a dramatic turnaround at Tulane, where he went from a 2-10 season to winning a conference championship and a New Year’s Six bowl game.
Now, at 64, Fritz is making his mark in the Power Four. “I did aspire to coach at the highest level of collegiate football,” he admitted at his introductory press conference.
The transformation in UH’s culture is already noticeable. Linebacker Jamal Morris reflects on last year’s disappointing 4-8 record, noting, “The tree is only as strong as the foundation. If the foundation is not strong, the tree is not going to grow well.” With Fritz’s leadership and the talent on the roster, Morris believes the team is poised for a significant leap forward.
Junior cornerback Latrell McCutchin Sr. is all in for Fritz, saying, “I’d run through a brick wall for (Fritz) right now if he asked me to.”
Fritz inherited a roster that’s seen a significant overhaul. With 36 transfers—eight of whom are projected starters—the Cougars have the second most transfer players among Power Four schools, trailing only Colorado. Fritz and his staff carefully vetted the recruits, ensuring they brought in individuals who align with their values. “I’m going to pat myself on the back. We did a good job of finding good people,” Fritz says. “I have no desire to be around a bunch of people that are problems on a daily basis. I got into this profession because it’s fun.”
Webb, who experienced the turnaround firsthand at Tulane, sees the potential with Fritz at the helm. A year before Webb signed, Tulane had a dismal 2-10 season. The next year, under Fritz’s guidance, the Green Wave went 12-2, clinched the American Athletic Conference title, and beat USC in a New Year’s Six bowl. Tulane continued its success with another 11-win season and a conference title game appearance the following year.
With Fritz’s track record and the new energy he’s bringing, the excitement around UH football is palpable. As the season opener against UNLV approaches, the Cougars are ready to put their hard work and new culture to the test.
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