University of Houston Athletics
Hall Joins Cougars as Cornerbacks Coach
2/3/2025 10:45:00 AM | Football
Former Tulane standout joins Houston following recent stints at Tarleton State, Baylor
HOUSTON – PJ Hall, a former Tulane Football standout student-athlete, who recently spent three seasons on staff at Baylor and another at Tarleton State, is joining University of Houston Football as its Cornerbacks Coach, second-year Head Coach Willie Fritz announced Monday.
Hall spent the 2024 season as Defensive Assistant at Tarleton State as the Texans became the fifth team in the history of the FCS Playoffs to win their first playoff game at the FCS level in their first year eligible after reclassifying from NCAA Division II. Tarleton State finished 10-4 overall and 6-2 in United Athletic Conference play, reaching double-digit wins for the sixth time in program history. They ended the season ranked No. 12 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll and No. 13 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll.
"I'm thrilled to welcome PJ Hall to our staff at the University of Houston," Fritz said. "PJ is an outstanding young coach with a relentless work ethic, a sharp football mind, and a true passion for developing student-athletes. Having coached him at Tulane, I know firsthand the character and leadership he brings to a team. He was a player who always led by example, and that same drive has carried over into his coaching career."
In its first season at the Division I level, Tarleton State ranked fourth in the FCS in turnovers gained (29), fifth in interceptions (18), eighth in fumbles recovered (11), 17th in team passing efficiency defense (117.98) and 27th in defensive touchdowns (2). The Texans paced the UAC in Pro Football Focus (PFF) coverage grade (87.0).
"PJ made a tremendous impact on our program in his limited time at Tarleton State," Tarleton State Head Coach Todd Whitten said. "He brought great energy, attention to detail, and a relentless commitment to our players' development, both on and off the field. Houston is getting a rising star in the coaching profession, and we're excited to see his continued success."
Hall came to Tarleton State from Baylor where he spent three seasons (2021-23) as Graduate Assistant, working specifically with the safeties. During his time with the Bears, Hall helped tutor four safeties who went on earn to All-Big 12 Conference honors.
During 2023, Baylor ranked third in the Big 12 Conference in first downs defense (241) and forth in both red zone defense (.800) and defensive touchdowns (2).
Baylor paced the Big 12 in PFF coverage grade at 84.0 during 2022. That season, the Bears ranked second in the Big 12 in passing yards allowed (222.8), third in total defense (371.0), fourth in scoring defense (26.8) and fourth in interceptions (13). Baylor safeties Devin Lemear and Al Walcott earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors with the former earning votes for Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year.
During 2021, the Bears ranked second in the league in coverage grade (77.3). That season, Baylor ranked third nationally in interceptions (19), 10th in scoring defense (18.3), 13th in defensive touchdowns (3), 23rd in third down conversion percentage defense (.343) and 26th in team passing efficiency defense (121.54). Individually, safeties Christian Morgan and JT Woods were tabbed All-Big 12 Honorable Mention.
Hall came to Baylor after a short time at UAB, working as their defensive graduate assistant from February to May of 2021.
The former safety played 47 games across four seasons under Fritz at Tulane from 2016-19, totaling 139 tackles, three interceptions, 23 passes defended, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one touchdown. The Hoover, Ala., native earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology as well as his Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Health and Wellness Management.
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Hall spent the 2024 season as Defensive Assistant at Tarleton State as the Texans became the fifth team in the history of the FCS Playoffs to win their first playoff game at the FCS level in their first year eligible after reclassifying from NCAA Division II. Tarleton State finished 10-4 overall and 6-2 in United Athletic Conference play, reaching double-digit wins for the sixth time in program history. They ended the season ranked No. 12 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll and No. 13 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll.
"I'm thrilled to welcome PJ Hall to our staff at the University of Houston," Fritz said. "PJ is an outstanding young coach with a relentless work ethic, a sharp football mind, and a true passion for developing student-athletes. Having coached him at Tulane, I know firsthand the character and leadership he brings to a team. He was a player who always led by example, and that same drive has carried over into his coaching career."
In its first season at the Division I level, Tarleton State ranked fourth in the FCS in turnovers gained (29), fifth in interceptions (18), eighth in fumbles recovered (11), 17th in team passing efficiency defense (117.98) and 27th in defensive touchdowns (2). The Texans paced the UAC in Pro Football Focus (PFF) coverage grade (87.0).
"PJ made a tremendous impact on our program in his limited time at Tarleton State," Tarleton State Head Coach Todd Whitten said. "He brought great energy, attention to detail, and a relentless commitment to our players' development, both on and off the field. Houston is getting a rising star in the coaching profession, and we're excited to see his continued success."
Hall came to Tarleton State from Baylor where he spent three seasons (2021-23) as Graduate Assistant, working specifically with the safeties. During his time with the Bears, Hall helped tutor four safeties who went on earn to All-Big 12 Conference honors.
During 2023, Baylor ranked third in the Big 12 Conference in first downs defense (241) and forth in both red zone defense (.800) and defensive touchdowns (2).
Baylor paced the Big 12 in PFF coverage grade at 84.0 during 2022. That season, the Bears ranked second in the Big 12 in passing yards allowed (222.8), third in total defense (371.0), fourth in scoring defense (26.8) and fourth in interceptions (13). Baylor safeties Devin Lemear and Al Walcott earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors with the former earning votes for Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year.
During 2021, the Bears ranked second in the league in coverage grade (77.3). That season, Baylor ranked third nationally in interceptions (19), 10th in scoring defense (18.3), 13th in defensive touchdowns (3), 23rd in third down conversion percentage defense (.343) and 26th in team passing efficiency defense (121.54). Individually, safeties Christian Morgan and JT Woods were tabbed All-Big 12 Honorable Mention.
Hall came to Baylor after a short time at UAB, working as their defensive graduate assistant from February to May of 2021.
The former safety played 47 games across four seasons under Fritz at Tulane from 2016-19, totaling 139 tackles, three interceptions, 23 passes defended, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one touchdown. The Hoover, Ala., native earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology as well as his Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Health and Wellness Management.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by placing your 2025 season ticket deposit, supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective and by joining 46ers and The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
–– UHCougars.com ––
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