Why did Texas fire Pete Kwiatkowski?

Pete Kwiatkowski was replaced by Will Muschamp as part of a coaching staff change aimed at improving the team's defensive performance.

What are the main problems facing the Texas Longhorns football team?

The Texas Longhorns face challenges with defensive consistency, particularly in the secondary, and have struggled with offensive performance not ranking in the top 15 nationally.

Home / Sports / Muschamp Returns to Texas Amidst Defensive Woes

Muschamp Returns to Texas Amidst Defensive Woes

Q: Who is the new defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns?

Will Muschamp has been hired as the new defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns.

19 Dec

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Summary

Will Muschamp hired as defensive coordinator, replacing Pete Kwiatkowski.
Texas's offense has struggled, failing to rank in the top 15 nationally.
Defense rated higher than offense in FEI for four consecutive years.

Muschamp Returns to Texas Amidst Defensive Woes

Steve Sarkisian has appointed Will Muschamp as the new defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns, replacing Pete Kwiatkowski. This move brings a seasoned defensive mind back to the program, aiming to bolster a unit that has seen recent struggles, especially in the secondary during the 2025 season. Muschamp, a former head coach at Florida and South Carolina, has a history of coordinating strong defenses, including a national championship game appearance in 2009.

While the Longhorns' defense has consistently outperformed the offense in efficiency ratings (FEI) over the past four years, ranking No. 3 nationally in the 2025 season, offensive performance has remained a significant concern. Sarkisian's offense has not cracked the top 15 nationally in FEI during his tenure, with scoring stalling in key losses last season. Despite these offensive challenges, the offensive coaching staff has largely remained intact, and Sarkisian continues to call plays.