Jay Girdner has both on-field coaching experience and now Power 5 Conference experience working in the world of college recruiting.
He's set to utilize the combination of those experiences in a new role: Girdner's Houston's new Director of Recruiting Strategy, FootballScoop has learned.
Girdner spent 2023 as a recruiting analyst and personnel assistant on Luke Fickell's Wisconsin Badgers staff, working closely with highly regarded Wisconsin personnel head Max Stienecker.
Prior to that the former Citadel and Wingate defensive back broke into the coaching ranks at Wingate.
Additionally he worked under Furman head coach Clay Hendrix in 2022, when the Paladins won 10 games and advanced into the FCS Playoffs.
Girdner also spent time on staff at another Southern Conference institution -- working at Wofford College before he accepted the opportunity to join Fickell's Big Ten staff.
Fritz has essentially completed his inaugural Houston staff, adding defensive analyst Pete Brown Monday in addition to the recent move of bringing aboard Girdner.
The Cougars, as noted, will make their debut under Fritz Aug. 31 at home against UNLV before traveling a week later to Norman, Oklahoma, to face Brent Venables and the Sooners.