Houston began his coaching career that fall as defensive coordinator at Forbush High School in East Bend, North Carolina, where he remained for two seasons.
In 2004, his team finished the regular season undefeated, falling in the state semifinals and winning the first conference championship in school history.
[1][2] In 2006, Houston moved to the college ranks, serving as defensive coordinator and associate head coach at Brevard in their first season of football in 56 years.
Houston again was named SAC Coach of the Year and drew interest from several larger programs, as the Bears set an NCAA all-division rushing record.
In 2017, Houston led JMU to a 14–1 record and an appearance in the national title game where the Dukes had their only loss of the season as they were beaten by North Dakota State 17–13.
Houston, along with his assembled coaching staff, were responsible for turning around an ECU football program with five consecutive losing seasons dating back to 2015.
Houston and staff led the 2022 ECU football team to a 8–5 record and a victory in the Birmingham Bowl against Coastal Carolina University.