2021 Houston Cougars football team

2021 Houston Cougars football
Birmingham Bowl champion
Birmingham Bowl, W 17–13 vs. Auburn
ConferenceAmerican Athletic Conference
Ranking
CoachesNo. 17
APNo. 17
Record12–2 (8–0 American)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorShannon Dawson (2nd, 3rd overall season)
Co-offensive coordinatorBrandon Jones (3rd season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Defensive coordinatorDoug Belk (1st, 3rd overall season)
Base defense4–2–5
Home stadiumTDECU Stadium
Seasons
← 2020
2022 →
2021 American Athletic Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
No. 4 Cincinnati y$^   8 0     13 1  
No. 17 Houston y   8 0     12 2  
UCF   5 3     9 4  
East Carolina   5 3     7 5  
Tulsa   5 3     7 6  
SMU   4 4     8 4  
Memphis   3 5     6 6  
Navy   3 5     4 8  
Tulane   1 7     2 10  
South Florida   1 7     2 10  
Temple   1 7     3 9  
Championship: Cincinnati 35, Houston 20
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2021 Houston Cougars football team represented the University of Houston in the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Cougars played their home games at TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas, competing in the American Athletic Conference. They were led by third-year head coach Dana Holgorsen.