Coaches hired under Chris Del Conte at Texas Longhorns have generally performed well, achieving notable wins, improving team competitiveness, and enhancing recruiting efforts.

Since assuming the role of Texas Longhorns Athletic Director in 2017, Chris Del Conte has been a transformative figure in shaping the future of Texas athletics. Known for his strategic vision, emphasis on excellence, and focus on recruiting and infrastructure, Del Conte’s leadership has extended across multiple sports programs, most notably football and basketball. His hiring decisions have garnered significant attention, and the coaches brought in under his tenure have largely contributed to elevating the program’s profile, competitiveness, and success.

This comprehensive analysis evaluates how coaches hired under Chris Del Conte have fared across various dimensions, including their performance, achievements, recruiting prowess, and overall influence on the Texas Longhorns’ athletic landscape.

Background: Chris Del Conte’s Leadership and Hiring Philosophy

Chris Del Conte’s tenure at Texas has been characterized by a proactive approach to hiring and program development. He emphasizes hiring coaches who embody the university’s values, possess proven track records, and can compete at the highest levels of NCAA athletics. His focus on infrastructure improvements—such as new facilities, resources, and support staff—has created an environment conducive to success.

Del Conte’s philosophy also prioritizes recruiting, athlete development, and cultivating a winning culture. This approach has led to strategic hires across multiple sports, with the long-term goal of restoring Texas to national prominence.

Texas Football: Coaching Hires and Performance

1. Tom Herman (2017–2020)

One of Del Conte’s earliest high-profile hires was Tom Herman, a coach with a strong reputation for developing aggressive, innovative offenses. Herman’s tenure at Texas was marked by high expectations, and he inherited a program eager to reclaim national relevance.

• Performance and Achievements:
  Herman’s teams showed flashes of brilliance, including a Sugar Bowl victory in 2019 and a 10-win season that year. His 2018 team was particularly impressive, finishing 10-4 and contending for the Big 12 title. However, consistency proved elusive, and struggles in close games, along with a decline in offensive production, hampered his tenure.
• Recruiting and Player Development:
  Herman improved recruiting efforts, landing top-tier classes and securing commitments from highly-rated prospects. His offensive schemes attracted talented skill position players, contributing to a more dynamic team.
• Departure:
  Despite some successes, Herman’s tenure ended after a disappointing 2020 season, marked by a 7-3 record amidst the coronavirus pandemic and internal coaching changes.

2. Steve Sarkisian (2021–Present)

In 2021, Del Conte hired Steve Sarkisian, a coach with NFL experience and a reputation for offensive innovation.

• Initial Impact:
  Sarkisian’s hiring was widely praised. His offensive mind was expected to revitalize Texas’ attack, and early signs indicated promising development, especially on offense.
• Performance:
  In his first season, Sarkisian’s team showed improvement, with notable wins and a more competitive approach. The 2022 season saw the Longhorns make significant strides, finishing with a winning record and gaining national attention.
• Recruiting:
  Sarkisian continued to elevate Texas’ recruiting profile, securing commitments from highly-ranked prospects and improving the talent base.
• Future Outlook:
  While still in the early stages of his tenure, Sarkisian’s trajectory suggests he is building a competitive program capable of contending in the Big 12 and beyond.

Other Sports and Coaches Hired Under Del Conte

While football has been Del Conte’s marquee hire, his influence extends to other sports, notably basketball, baseball, and Olympic sports.

3. Texas Men’s Basketball: Chris Beard (2021–2023)

• Hire and Expectations:
  Del Conte’s appointment of Chris Beard, a proven NCAA tournament coach, was a bold move aimed at restoring basketball prominence.
• Performance:
  Beard’s tenure was promising but brief due to off-court issues. He led the Longhorns to NCAA Tournament appearances and improved team competitiveness during his short stay.
• Impact:
  Despite his departure, Beard’s hiring elevated the program’s profile and set the foundation for future success.

4. Baseball and Other Sports

Del Conte has also hired coaches for baseball and other sports who have contributed to elevating Texas’ status in NCAA competitions. These hires generally focus on recruiting, player development, and building competitive teams.

Overall Performance and Impact of Coaches Hired Under Del Conte

1. Achievements and Notable Wins

Coaches hired under Del Conte have contributed to Texas securing significant victories, including bowl game wins in football, NCAA tournament appearances in basketball, and conference championships in baseball and other sports.

• Football: The hires of Herman and Sarkisian led to improved team performances and increased national visibility. Sarkisian’s early results suggest the program is on an upward trajectory.
• Other Sports: Successes across various sports, including NCAA tournament runs, conference titles, and player development, reflect Del Conte’s holistic approach to program building.

2. Recruiting and Talent Acquisition

One of Del Conte’s hallmarks is his ability to attract top-tier talent through strategic hires and infrastructure investments. Coaches brought in under his leadership have often benefited from improved facilities, support staff, and recruitment resources.

• Football Recruiting: The program has seen a rise in high-profile commitments, which are crucial for sustained success.
• Basketball and Baseball: Recruits are increasingly drawn to Texas’ renewed focus on athletic excellence and program stability.

3. Program Development and Culture

Coaches hired under Del Conte have played a role in fostering a winning culture. They emphasize discipline, accountability, and athletic excellence, aligning with Texas’ broad institutional goals.

4. Challenges and Criticisms

While many hires have been successful, there have been challenges:

• Coaching Turnover: High-profile hires like Herman and Beard faced off-field issues or performance inconsistencies, leading to coaching changes.
• Expectations vs. Reality: The pressure to quickly restore Texas’ dominance can sometimes lead to unmet expectations.

Despite these challenges, the overall trend indicates that Del Conte’s hires have positively impacted the Longhorns’ athletic programs.

Future Outlook: Building on Early Success

Looking ahead, the trajectory of coaches hired under Del Conte suggests optimism:

• Football: Sarkisian’s continued development and recruiting efforts could position Texas as a national contender.
• Basketball: Continued success and stability could restore Texas to the top tier of NCAA basketball.
• Other Sports: Investments and strategic hires are expected to elevate Texas’ athletic standing across the board.

Del Conte’s approach of strategic hiring, infrastructure investment, and emphasizing a culture of excellence appears to be paying dividends.

In summary, coaches hired under Chris Del Conte at Texas Longhorns have, by and large, performed well, achieving notable wins, recruiting top talent, and elevating the program’s competitiveness. While there have been challenges, the overall impact has been positive, setting a foundation for sustained success across multiple sports.

Del Conte’s leadership reflects a clear vision: to restore Texas to its rightful place among college athletics’ elite. His hiring decisions underscore a commitment to excellence, and the performance of coaches under his tenure demonstrates that his strategy is yielding results. As these programs continue to develop and recruit top-tier athletes, the Texas Longhorns are poised for an exciting future built on strong coaching and strategic growth.