The Texas Longhorns are anticipated to appoint a seasoned BIG-12 coach to a new position.

As the Texas Longhorns continue to climb the ranks of college football, the program has shown a keen understanding of the importance of strategic hires and adjustments to their coaching staff. With the team looking to contend for championships in the Big 12 and beyond, the Longhorns have been focused on strengthening their coaching staff in every possible way. One of the latest developments out of Austin is the anticipated hiring of a seasoned coach from the Big 12 to fill a new position on the staff. This decision comes at a time when Texas is poised for a breakthrough, and the right coaching hire could be the catalyst that propels them into the upper echelons of college football.

The Big 12 conference, known for its offensive firepower and competitive nature, is filled with accomplished coaches who have helped shape some of the best teams in the nation. By bringing in a coach from within the conference, the Texas Longhorns are signaling their commitment to becoming more embedded in the Big 12 culture and maximizing the opportunities the conference presents.

In this article, we will explore the potential impact of this hire, what the Longhorns might be looking for in this position, and how this decision will help elevate the program in the coming seasons.

The Changing Landscape of Texas Football

Under Steve Sarkisian, the Texas Longhorns have been on a steady trajectory of improvement. Sarkisian, who took over as head coach in 2021, has implemented a culture of high expectations, discipline, and offensive innovation. His ability to recruit top-tier talent has made Texas one of the most attractive programs in the country, and his offensive scheme is widely considered to be one of the best in college football.

However, despite all the progress, the Longhorns have yet to fully regain their status as perennial national contenders. Texas remains an exciting program with immense talent but has struggled to consistently perform at the highest level. One of the key areas that Sarkisian has been focusing on is strengthening his coaching staff and making adjustments to the team’s philosophy to match the elite programs in college football. The anticipated hiring of a seasoned Big 12 coach could be a key piece of the puzzle.

Why a Big 12 Coach?

The decision to hire a coach from the Big 12 speaks volumes about the Longhorns’ approach. The Big 12 is a conference known for its offensive firepower and high-scoring games, but it also has some of the most well-rounded and innovative coaching minds in the country. By bringing in a coach with familiarity of the conference’s dynamics, Texas is positioning itself to make a more seamless transition as it prepares for future seasons.

Here are some of the key reasons why a seasoned Big 12 coach might be the ideal hire for Texas:

1. Familiarity with Conference Competitors

The Big 12 has been an unpredictable conference, with teams like Oklahoma, Kansas State, Baylor, and TCU regularly producing high-level football. A coach who has spent significant time in the Big 12 would bring valuable insight into the tendencies and strengths of Texas’ conference rivals. This knowledge could be instrumental in preparing the Longhorns to succeed in crucial conference matchups, especially when it comes to strategic game planning and in-game adjustments.

For instance, a coach with experience coaching in the Big 12 Championship Game or against top-tier programs like Oklahoma State would be able to offer valuable insights into what it takes to win big games in the conference. Their knowledge of opposing offensive and defensive schemes, as well as their familiarity with the level of competition, could give the Longhorns a tactical advantage in the future.

2. Recruitment of Top-Tier Talent

Recruiting has been one of Texas’ greatest strengths in recent years. The program consistently ranks among the top teams in the nation in terms of recruiting classes, with Sarkisian and his staff bringing in elite high school talent from across the country. However, the ability to recruit effectively within the Big 12 cannot be understated. A coach who has built relationships with high school programs within the state of Texas or across the Big 12 footprint could help Texas further solidify its position as a dominant force in the recruiting world.

Whether it’s identifying hidden gems in local high schools or leveraging relationships with established coaching pipelines in the region, a Big 12 coach’s recruiting acumen would undoubtedly help Texas compete at an even higher level. Texas has the resources and allure to attract some of the best talent, but bringing in a coach with strong recruiting ties to Texas and the surrounding regions could enhance their recruiting pipeline even more.

3. Coaching Experience and Familiarity with the Texas Culture

A seasoned Big 12 coach would not only understand the conference’s dynamics but also have the experience needed to thrive in a high-pressure environment like Texas. The Longhorns have one of the most passionate fanbases in all of college football, and the expectations surrounding the program are incredibly high. A coach with experience at the power conference level, especially one with knowledge of Texas’ football culture, would be able to manage the pressure of working at a program of this caliber.

Texas is a program that prides itself on winning championships, and a coach who understands the intricacies of coaching in such an environment would be critical in helping the Longhorns reach the next level. Beyond X’s and O’s, a seasoned Big 12 coach would be familiar with the nuances of working within the Texas program, from managing the media to interacting with boosters and alumni, all of whom play significant roles in the program’s success.

The Potential Role of the New Hire

The exact position that this new coach will fill is still unknown, but it’s likely that the role will be one that is pivotal in addressing areas of need for the Longhorns. Based on Texas’ current roster and coaching structure, here are some possibilities for how the new hire could impact the team:

1. Defensive Coordinator

While the Texas offense has been a strength under Sarkisian, the defense has often been an area of concern. The Longhorns have struggled to find consistency on the defensive side of the ball, particularly in key moments of games against top-ranked teams. A seasoned Big 12 coach with a defensive background could come in and immediately help shore up Texas’ defense, bringing a more aggressive, effective scheme that can stifle high-powered offenses in the Big 12.

Texas has a wealth of talent on defense, with players like Jerrin Thompson and DeMarvion Overshown leading the way. However, the defense has lacked cohesion at times, and the addition of a coach with deep knowledge of defensive schemes could elevate the Longhorns’ overall performance. A defensive coordinator who knows how to neutralize the Big 12’s most potent offenses would give Texas a much-needed advantage in critical games.

2. Offensive Line Coach

Another potential area where Texas could benefit from a seasoned coach is on the offensive line. Despite the offensive talent surrounding quarterback Quinn Ewers, the Longhorns’ offensive line has had its struggles. Protecting the quarterback and establishing a strong running game are foundational elements of Texas’ offensive success, and bringing in a Big 12 coach with experience coaching elite offensive linemen could help resolve some of these issues.

The Big 12 is known for producing high-powered offenses, many of which have strong offensive lines that give quarterbacks the time they need to make plays. By hiring a coach who has developed All-Big 12 caliber offensive linemen, Texas could see a major improvement in its offensive line play, which would make a significant difference in their offensive production.

3. Recruiting Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach

If the new hire is not directly responsible for coaching a specific position, there is also the possibility of the hire focusing on recruiting coordination. Texas has been a powerhouse in recruiting, but the addition of a seasoned Big 12 coach with extensive recruiting experience could help the Longhorns land even more top-tier prospects. This hire would be a natural fit if the primary goal is to strengthen the program’s recruiting efforts across the state and region.

Additionally, the new coach could take on a role as an assistant head coach, assisting Sarkisian with strategic decision-making, game planning, and player development. This would allow Sarkisian to focus on his duties as the head coach while also ensuring that the Longhorns’ recruiting, team culture, and game-day management are in excellent hands.