Texas Set to Add Recent Big 12 Head Coach to Steve Sarkisian’s Staff

Texas Set to Add Recent Big 12 Head Coach to Steve Sarkisian’s Staff: A New Chapter for Longhorns Football

As the college football world continues to evolve, the Texas Longhorns remain a dominant force in the Big 12 and beyond, striving to maintain their elite status on the national stage. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have taken significant strides in their efforts to rebuild a program that has seen both highs and lows in recent years. While the team has shown promise, Texas’ aspirations of returning to the top of college football require more than just talent on the field – it requires a cohesive and well-experienced coaching staff that can help develop and elevate the players to new heights.

This is why the recent addition of a former Big 12 head coach to Steve Sarkisian’s coaching staff is such a significant move for the Longhorns. With a wealth of experience and a strong understanding of the conference’s unique challenges, this hire could be the missing piece that propels Texas back into contention for a College Football Playoff berth and, eventually, a national championship.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the hire, examining the background of the coach in question, what they bring to the table, and how their addition will impact Steve Sarkisian’s staff and the future of the Texas Longhorns football program. We’ll also explore the potential benefits of this new hire in the context of Texas’ overall program-building efforts, both in terms of recruitment and on-field performance.

A Game-Changing Addition to the Staff

The news that Steve Sarkisian and the University of Texas are set to add former Big 12 head coach Matt Campbell to the coaching staff has sent shockwaves through the college football community. Campbell, most recently the head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones, is a highly respected figure in the coaching world, known for his leadership, ability to develop players, and his strategic approach to football. His successful tenure at Iowa State, where he consistently overachieved with a program that didn’t have the same resources or history as Texas, has made him one of the most sought-after coaching minds in college football.

Matt Campbell’s Background and Success at Iowa State

Campbell took over as head coach at Iowa State in 2016, and his tenure quickly turned the Cyclones into one of the most competitive teams in the Big 12, despite the school being viewed as an underdog in the league. Over the course of his career at Iowa State, Campbell’s leadership helped transform the program, taking it to heights not seen in years. Under his guidance, the Cyclones achieved multiple bowl game victories, including a victory in the 2021 Cheez-It Bowl, and consistently finished in the upper half of the Big 12 standings.

One of Campbell’s most impressive achievements was his ability to consistently compete with teams that had far greater resources, including perennial Big 12 powerhouses like Oklahoma, Texas, and Baylor. His ability to recruit players who might not have been highly ranked out of high school and develop them into legitimate NFL prospects has earned him significant respect across the college football landscape. This track record of success, combined with his tactical acumen, has made Campbell one of the most coveted coaching minds in the game.

Campbell’s ability to win in the Big 12 and make the most of his talent is a quality that Sarkisian clearly values. His understanding of the intricacies of the Big 12, as well as his experience managing a program and cultivating talent within the league, makes him a perfect fit for Texas.

What Matt Campbell Brings to Steve Sarkisian’s Staff

Matt Campbell’s arrival at Texas is significant not only because of his experience as a head coach but also because of his unique skill set that he brings to the coaching staff. His ability to work with young players and develop them into consistent performers will be an asset for a Texas team that is loaded with young talent but still looking to refine and mature its roster. Here are several ways Campbell will help Texas:

1. Development of Young Players

Campbell’s reputation as a player developer is one of the key reasons he was so successful at Iowa State. He has a proven track record of turning under-recruited players into key contributors and NFL draft picks. For example, players like Breece Hall (RB), Charlie Kolar (TE), and Will McDonald IV (OLB) were all developed under Campbell’s tutelage at Iowa State and have made significant impacts at the professional level. His ability to cultivate talent in less-than-ideal circumstances could translate perfectly to the Texas Longhorns, where a number of young players are still in need of development and refinement.

The Longhorns have a strong recruiting pipeline, but it’s the development aspect that often sets elite teams apart. Texas already has top-tier talent, but Campbell’s experience will help develop the potential of these players, ensuring they reach their maximum potential. Whether it’s refining technique, improving work ethic, or helping players transition to higher levels of competition, Campbell is a master of helping players take that next step.

2. Strategic Game Planning and Coaching Experience

Campbell’s experience as a head coach in the Big 12 gives him an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of the conference. This insight could be invaluable for Sarkisian as they look to build a program that is competitive not only on a national level but also within the tough and often unpredictable Big 12 conference. Matt Campbell’s presence will provide Sarkisian with an additional strategic mind who has firsthand knowledge of teams, players, and coaching styles within the league.

In particular, Campbell’s work with the Iowa State defense will be critical. Texas has long struggled to field a consistent defense, and Campbell’s ability to game plan and make adjustments could provide a major boost. His experience in handling high-pressure situations will be crucial as Texas prepares to compete in the ever-changing landscape of the Big 12.

3. Recruiting Expertise and Network Expansion

One of the biggest challenges facing Texas is maintaining a consistent pipeline of elite talent, especially with so many powerhouse programs competing for recruits in the state of Texas. Campbell’s ability to identify under-the-radar prospects and his knowledge of the recruiting process will be a huge asset in this regard. While Texas is already one of the best recruiting programs in the country, having Campbell on staff will help further solidify that position by diversifying the types of recruits the team brings in. His eye for talent, particularly in the trenches (both offensive and defensive lines), will complement Sarkisian’s emphasis on skill players.

Additionally, Campbell’s network of high school coaches, recruiting contacts, and established relationships across the country will help Texas cast a wider net and recruit players that might have previously been out of reach.

4. Leadership and Accountability

Campbell is known for building a strong program culture based on discipline, work ethic, and accountability. These are all aspects that Steve Sarkisian values as he works to reshape the culture of Texas football. Bringing Campbell in gives Sarkisian another trusted leader who will help instill these values within the team. With Campbell’s experience in leadership roles, he’ll provide support to Sarkisian in his efforts to motivate players, ensure accountability, and create a positive and productive team atmosphere.

Impact on the Longhorns’ Future

Matt Campbell’s addition to Steve Sarkisian’s staff could have a profound impact on the Longhorns’ long-term success. Here are several ways in which his hiring will benefit the program:

1. On-Field Success

While Texas has shown flashes of brilliance under Sarkisian, the addition of Campbell can help elevate the team to a higher level of consistency. With Campbell’s ability to help refine the defense and his experience developing players, the Longhorns should see improvement across the board. Texas has the talent, and now with Campbell’s expertise, they could become a more complete team, capable of contending with the best of the Big 12 and on the national stage.

2. Recruiting Benefits

Texas is already a recruiting powerhouse, but Campbell’s addition could take things to the next level. His recruiting success at Iowa State, despite the challenges of being in a smaller market, will translate well in Texas, where the competition for top-tier talent is fierce. As one of the best recruiters in the country, Campbell’s ability to identify talent and connect with recruits will be invaluable to Texas’ sustained success.

3. Building a Stronger Program Culture

Sarkisian is focused on creating a championship culture, and Campbell’s leadership will be instrumental in that effort. The addition of a seasoned head coach with a proven track record in the Big 12 will strengthen Texas’ commitment to discipline, work ethic, and accountability. These cultural elements are vital for success both on and off the field.