Successful where?
He was post OC Norm Chow at USC and had a 3000 yd passer, a 1000 receiver, and two 1000 yd rushers in 2005. BUT, of course, he inherited what he was dealt. He was a good recruiter for USC. The only HC experience was with Al Davis. So, he's relatively inexperienced as a HC, but he was one in the NFL (terrible team, though) and he got to coach a bunch of great players in college. It's too hard to tell on him. Can he match wits/talent with other SEC coaches wits/talents? They're all a gamble.
Amazing.
Look at what he did while at USC and the fact that an NFL team was willing to give him a shot at the age of 33.
He'd bring an amazing coaching staff and would be a great recruiter.
I don't understand it either. Texas ranks 60th in total defense. If your gonna look at a defensive coordinator, check out Nick Holt at USC.