Mike Sherman was hired away from his post as offensive coordinator of the NFL's Houston Texans to replace Franchione. Sherman signed a 7-year contract that at the time paid him $1.8 million annually. Sherman abandoned the zone read option offense run by Franchione and his coaching staff, and installed a pro-style system. A&M used a balanced offense run primarily out of the pro-style formations. Sherman's quarterbacks at A&M were Stephen McGee and Ryan Tannehill, both of whom would go on to be drafted into the NFL.