Three Potential Candidates to Be the Safety Coach of the Texas Longhorns

Three Potential Candidates to Be the Safety Coach of the Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns football program is known for its rich history and a tradition of producing elite athletes. However, in the fast-paced world of college football, success often comes down to not only the players on the field but also the coaching staff behind the scenes. As the Longhorns look to continue their climb back to the top of college football, one position that remains crucial for the defense is the safety coach. Safeties play a pivotal role in both pass coverage and run support, and the right coaching can elevate a defense from good to great.

With the Texas Longhorns entering a new era under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the program has been making strides toward returning to national prominence. Texas has long prided itself on having a strong defense, and the safety position is one of the most important on that side of the ball. The Longhorns’ safeties must be able to cover ground in the secondary, read the quarterback’s eyes, make plays on the ball, and provide support against the run. With such a responsibility, finding the right coach to guide this group is paramount.

In this article, we will look at three potential candidates who could step in as the next safety coach for the Texas Longhorns. Each of these candidates brings a unique background, coaching experience, and understanding of the game that could make them a perfect fit for Texas’ defense.

1. Chris Ash – Former Texas Defensive Coordinator and Safety Coach

Chris Ash is a name that many Texas fans will recognize, given his previous stint with the program. Ash served as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach for Texas from 2018 to 2020, and while he had mixed results during his tenure, his experience with the Longhorns cannot be overlooked. In 2025, Ash is a strong candidate to return to the program as the safety coach due to his familiarity with the defense, knowledge of the Texas system, and his successful track record as a defensive coach.

Background and Experience

Chris Ash’s coaching career began at the collegiate level, where he quickly rose through the ranks. After several years as a defensive backs coach at various schools, including San Diego State and Arkansas, Ash landed a defensive coordinator position at Ohio State in 2014. During his time at Ohio State, Ash helped develop a strong secondary and a defense that was highly regarded as one of the best in the country. His work with the Buckeyes earned him the attention of other big programs, eventually landing him a defensive coordinator job at Rutgers before he joined Texas.

Ash’s time with the Longhorns was not without challenges. While his defenses showed flashes of brilliance, Texas struggled with consistency, particularly in the secondary. However, he did develop players like Caden Sterns, who went on to have a solid career in the NFL. Ash’s ability to teach safeties how to read offensive schemes and recognize patterns in passing attacks would make him an ideal candidate to coach Texas’ safeties once again.

Why He’s a Good Fit for Texas

Familiarity with the Texas System: Having previously coached safeties and served as defensive coordinator at Texas, Ash would seamlessly integrate back into the Texas coaching staff. His understanding of the Longhorns’ defense would make for a smooth transition, as he is already familiar with the players and the defensive schemes. This familiarity would help him get the best out of Texas’ current safeties.

Proven Track Record of Developing Safeties: Throughout his career, Ash has shown an ability to develop safeties into impactful players at the next level. He coached players like Malik Hooker at Ohio State, who went on to become a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. His knowledge of safety play, coupled with his ability to coach fundamentals and coverage schemes, would be invaluable to the Texas defense.

Success in Big Programs: Ash has coached at some of the top programs in the country, including Ohio State and Texas. His experience at elite programs gives him the credibility and knowledge needed to coach at the highest level. He knows what it takes to compete at a national level and would bring that mindset to the Texas Longhorns.

2. Ronnie Bradford – Former NFL Safety and College Coach

Ronnie Bradford is a name that has been gaining traction in coaching circles as a potential candidate for the Texas Longhorns safety coach position. Bradford, a former NFL safety who had a long and successful playing career, has also built an impressive coaching resume at both the NFL and college levels. His deep understanding of the safety position and his ability to develop defensive backs make him a strong candidate for Texas.

Background and Experience

Bradford was a standout safety during his playing days, spending time with the Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, and Chicago Bears over his 11-year NFL career. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching, bringing his expertise in coverage and field awareness to his teams.

Bradford has had coaching stints at both the NFL and the college level. He worked as a defensive backs coach for the Atlanta Falcons, where he was able to develop NFL-caliber safeties and cornerbacks. Additionally, Bradford has experience coaching at the college level, including positions at UCLA and USC, where he worked with some of the top defensive backs in the country.

His background as a player allows him to provide invaluable insights into the mental and physical demands of playing safety at the highest level. Bradford’s knowledge of the position could be a perfect fit for Texas, as he would be able to teach both the fundamental skills and the advanced techniques needed to succeed in the modern college football landscape.

Why He’s a Good Fit for Texas

Experience Coaching in High-Level Programs: Bradford has coached both at the NFL and college level, meaning he brings a wealth of experience to the table. His time with the Atlanta Falcons and other NFL teams gives him the credibility to work with elite players and help them refine their skills. Bradford’s coaching experience, especially his time with college programs like UCLA and USC, would be highly beneficial to Texas’ safeties.

Developing Talented Defensive Backs: Bradford has an excellent reputation for developing defensive backs. He has worked with top-level players who went on to have successful careers in the NFL, and he knows how to bring out the best in his players. Texas could benefit from his ability to elevate the level of play of their safeties, turning them into potential draft picks and long-term contributors to the defense.

Understanding the Safety Position: As a former NFL safety, Bradford knows what it takes to succeed in the secondary. He has seen the game from both a player’s perspective and a coach’s perspective, which allows him to provide a comprehensive approach to coaching. He can teach his players the nuances of the game, from recognizing offensive formations to positioning themselves correctly in coverage.

3. Marcus Woodson – Current Defensive Backs Coach at Florida State

Marcus Woodson is currently the defensive backs coach at Florida State, and his reputation as a rising star in the coaching world has made him a strong candidate for the safety coach position at Texas. Woodson has a wealth of experience coaching defensive backs at both the Power Five level and in the Group of Five, and his background makes him a great fit for Texas.

Background and Experience

Before his time at Florida State, Woodson had coaching stints at Auburn and Memphis, where he worked with defensive backs and safeties. At Auburn, Woodson was responsible for coaching a group of talented players who went on to perform at a high level in the SEC. His coaching philosophy revolves around creating ball-hawking defensive backs who can impact the game in multiple ways.

Woodson’s work at Florida State has been particularly impressive. He has helped develop some of the most talented defensive backs in the ACC, and his players have consistently been among the best in the conference. His ability to work with players and help them develop their skills has made him one of the top names in defensive back coaching.

Why He’s a Good Fit for Texas

Proven Success with Defensive Backs: Woodson has proven himself to be an excellent coach for defensive backs, having helped develop players who have gone on to play in the NFL. His ability to teach coverage schemes and develop ball skills would make him a great fit for Texas, as the Longhorns are looking to create a defense that can disrupt offenses with both coverage and turnovers.

Strong Recruiting Ability: Woodson is also known for his recruiting prowess. He has been able to land top-tier recruits at both Auburn and Florida State, and his ability to attract elite talent would be invaluable for Texas. With the Longhorns’ recruiting profile, Woodson’s connections and reputation could help bring in high-level safeties to the program.

Experience in a High-Pressure Conference: Woodson’s time in the SEC and ACC has given him experience in two of the most competitive conferences in college football. He knows what it takes to coach defensive backs at the highest level, and he could bring that knowledge to Texas as they aim to compete in the Big 12 and eventually the SEC.