Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, recently made significant coaching changes after the team fell short of reaching the College Football Playoff for the third consecutive year. In a surprising move, Sarkisian fired defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and passing game coordinator Duane Akina, opting instead to bring in former Longhorns coach Will Muschamp to lead the defense.
Sarkisian expressed enthusiasm about Muschamp’s return, stating, “Having the opportunity to hire Will Muschamp provides us the leadership to take our defense to another level.” The recruitment of Muschamp, a respected figure in college football, emphasizes Sarkisian’s commitment to revamping the Longhorns’ defensive strategy. Under Muschamp’s leadership, Texas previously showcased one of the nation’s most formidable defenses, leading the country in sacks and producing numerous NFL draft picks.
Despite the focus on defense, many experts believe the Longhorns’ primary issue lies with their offensive line. Texas struggled significantly in crucial areas such as the red zone and on third downs, impacting team performance in key matchups against rivals like Ohio State and Georgia. The offensive line has been criticized, with only standout left tackle Kelvin Banks displaying the potential to advance to the NFL, leaving a concerning gap in recruitment and development at the position.
The shakeup comes on the heels of a 9-3 season for Texas, during which they were among the last teams excluded from the College Football Playoff. Texas will face Michigan in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve, but Muschamp will not take on a coaching role for this game. Sarkisian recently appointed Jabbar Juluke as the new running backs coach, following the departure of Chad Scott after a single season, as the team aims to address its offensive woes moving forward.
In recent seasons, the Longhorns’ defense had been a cornerstone of their success, playing a crucial role in their two playoff appearances. However, with rival teams like Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and others making strides, it is evident that Sarkisian is determined to revitalize the Texas football program. The return of Muschamp reflects a hopeful outlook for the Longhorns as they work to reclaim their status among college football’s elite.