A graduate of Tennessee Temple University, Hout began his college coaching career working for three years as an unpaid assistant for head coach Jerry Claiborne at the University of Maryland, College Park.
He coached a number of players who went on to National Football League (NFL), including Fred Banks, Kelvin Edwards, and Pro Bowlers Eric Green and Wayne Haddix.
As a result of this breakthrough season, Hout was named Virginia Division I Coach of the Year.
However, in a move that was widely questioned and criticized, Hout was "promoted" to assistant athletic director to make room for former NFL head coach Sam Rutigliano.
[2] Considering the success the Flames were enjoying on the field, Hout's removal caused a bit of controversy at the school.