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Muschamp Returns to Texas Amidst Defensive Woes
19 Dec
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.
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.
The decision to re-hire Muschamp echoes a similar past move with Duane Akina, which did not yield the desired results. However, Muschamp is younger and more recently involved in coaching compared to Akina. Ultimately, for Texas to reach national-title caliber, improvements are needed on both sides of the ball, with offensive consistency being just as critical as defensive fortification.
