Steve Sarkisian made a shocking change to his staff on Thursday, naming Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator and releasing Pete Kwiatkowski and defensive passing game coordinator Duane Aquina. What was your first reaction?S
Gerald Goodridge (@ghgoodridge) – I was devastated by the separation from Pete Kwiatkoski. I’ve said many times that a large part of the Longhorns’ success over the past few seasons has been due to the defense keeping Texas in the game while the offense took care of itself. There have been some big missteps this year, but that’s far from the problem. Even against Florida State, which I thought was the team’s worst performance, Texas’ offense was just as bad, so it felt like a wash. Many of the late-game issues people pointed to, like Kentucky’s, might be better attributed to an offense that played less than 10 minutes in the final 30 possessions of the game. That being said, this feels very much in line with what we’ve come to know about the Sacs and the sport as a whole in recent years. If you feel the coach isn’t hitting the mark and you think an upgrade is coming, you can make a decision. If Muschamp isn’t on board yet, I think PK is still in Burnt Orange.
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Cameron Parker (@camerondparker) – Given Will Marchand’s previous success as defensive coordinator and his relationship with Nick Saban, Sark appears to have been keeping an eye on him. The defensive frustration, combined with PK’s unwillingness to deviate from his “bend don’t break” style of play, seemed to be enough to force a change in Sark’s hands. Let’s be honest, PK’s defense in Texas was great, but were they elite? The addition of Muschamp could propel Texas into the top ranks of SEC teams.
Jacob Neidig (@jneidig_2) – My initial reaction was pure disbelief. Like most people, I was confused that the PK was sacked, but the offensive staff stayed on. Having said that, I do think Muschamp is an upgrade. He is unique. I’m excited to see what he brings to the culture of football and the defense.
Quentin Bell (@uncleqbell) – This is pretty crazy, but if you want/need a change, it’s probably the best time. The defense really doesn’t seem to be an issue unless it’s something going on behind the scenes that we can’t see. There’s definitely something going on with the staff given the number of transfers, and from my perspective I believe it’s the offense’s game, but it’s an interesting avenue to address other interior issues, but familiar faces do help. All in all, it may have something to do with overall cohesion, and some players may have developed a rapport with Muschamp, which could make the transition easier.
Westcott Ebert (@SBN_Wescott) – This was a shocking move for a number of reasons, including PK’s success over the past few years and the fact that Sack chose to address a problem that didn’t really exist at defensive coordinator rather than more pressing issues on offense, although I think if his side of the ball changed, the timing would be nothing more than an outside visual. Given the communication issues on defense, I’m not surprised by Akina, who is now 69 and may not have the same teaching and connection skills he did 10 years ago, even if he still has a ton of youthful energy. Since it’s Muschamp returning, I think the argument here is that Thacker didn’t fire PK to hire a new defensive coordinator, he fired PK to hire Muschamp, a defensive mind who was more valued than Kwiatkowski.
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We’re starting to get a clearer picture of who’s leaving and who’s returning to the Texas Longhorns. We know Anthony Hill, Michael Taaffe and Trey Moore are gone, but DeAndre Moore and Leona Love have entered the portal. Which decision had the biggest impact on the Corners?
Gerald – I think Love is a bigger hit because Texas doesn’t have a truly experienced back at linebacker right now. Ty’Anthony Smith and Beau Barnes could be fits, and Tyler Atkinson is ready for spring ball, but this isn’t a mature group at all. I expect Texas to enter the portal to grab a linebacker regardless, but that makes it a necessity this offseason.
Cameron—— It all depends on who lands through the transfer portal in Texas. Love’s transfer leaves a hole, but the Longhorns may feel they can go out and find another linebacker who’s just as good or better. I expected DeAndre Moore to step up in 2025, but for whatever reason, things didn’t click between him and Archie Manning. However, Emmitt Mosley stepped up and there was a slew of young guys waiting in the wings. Plus, you’d think Sark would go out and grab another wideout in the portal.
Jacob—— Losing both players is a huge blow to the locker room and the overall resiliency of the program. Moore and Love are two players who lead by example, even if their performance isn’t leading the team. I think losing Love is a bigger blow because of the current depth in the linebacker room. This group needs to be significantly strengthened and added to through the portal.
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Quentin—— Losing LB will impact the leadership they bring in the locker room and the craziness they bring on the field, and for a young team, experience goes a long way in absorbing the game and understanding it at the next level. Some people need to move up in the DB or DL positions.
Westcott – Replacing Anthony Hill next season will be extremely difficult, but it was a departure that was largely expected when he signed, so it’s not a surprise. I think Moore got hurt because he was the leader of the wide receiver room and he never quite reached his potential at Texas. If the Horns enter the portal to replace him, it will be very expensive, so the staff will have to decide how much they trust the 2025 signee without being able to evaluate them during the spring, which is the end of the spring window.
Steve Sarkisian’s first coaching staff change of the offseason was firing running backs coach Chad Scott and replacing him with former Florida State running backs coach Jabbar Juluke. Initial reaction to the move?
Gerald – I think Chad Scott may be the scapegoat for the overall offense’s struggles, but running back is definitely a blemish on the offense. You can blame some of this on injuries to C.J. Baxter and Quintrevion Wisner this year, but too often, players don’t seem to know how to pick the right seams in the zone or who to block in pass protection. The addition of Kareem Abdul-Jouruk is significant. With 17 years of coaching experience at Louisiana State, he feels like the successor to Terry Joseph’s recruiting acumen. Combined with the potential of Jadan Baugh and/or KD Daniels, I like this hire.
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Cameron—— Tashad Select’s departure appears to have left Sac in a difficult position, as there is no clear replacement for the position. Chad Scott seems to be a placeholder until Thacker finds the guy he wants. Djuruk brings a dynamic both as a coach and as a recruiter, which seems to be very important for Sark.
Jacob—— I think just about every offensive position group is likely to be replaced at some point this season. The lack of explosive running play this year has been brutal. I like the addition of Djuruk because of his potential to lure Bowe to Austin and his recruiting connections. It appears he also brings some toughness and energy as a coach, which is not a bad thing.
Quentin—— With mediocre performance at the running back position, it’s no surprise that Texas went in another direction with its coaching staff. Djuruk looks like a great fit for the scheme and can really develop players like Jaden Bowe and could have some impact in the portal now that the RB spot is open.
Westcott – I agree with Gerrard that Scott is somewhat being made a scapegoat for a problem he did not cause. But I also think Djuruk is a very clear upgrade because Sark sends a clear message that he’s working towards a title shot.
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Texas’ Citrus Bowl opponent has been making headlines, but for all the wrong reasons, Michigan fired head coach Sherron Moore due to his off-the-field issues. Does this do the Horns any good?
Gerald – I don’t expect a huge shift in Michigan, but the level of distraction and chaos in facilities often doesn’t help. Especially in the wake of Jim Harbaugh’s death and all the talk about the need to completely clean house, I can’t help but wonder how focused everyone will be over the next few weeks.
Cameron—— Michigan State can rally around interim head coach Biff Poggi, or they can check in mentally. I’m not too worried about Texas, as Thacker will be forced to get more young guys on the field who are eager to see the field. I feel good about Texas in this game with or without Moore.
Jacob—— Not special. Michigan’s program is undoubtedly a mess, but the good thing about a bowl game isn’t the result, it’s the practices that led to the result. Moore’s saga didn’t help or hurt Texas’ ability to get reps from the underclassmen heading into the game.
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Quentin—— Not necessarily, but distractions could disrupt whatever magic has been brewing in Michigan. Since this isn’t a high-stakes bowl game, Michigan should be able to lock in practices and its existing coaching staff. It makes you wonder how it affects the players and the momentum during bowl week.
Westcott – I think this could impact an outcome that’s not nearly as significant as the individual performance of Texas’ young players expected in games, but a meaningful impact will come from any departures from current players or 2026 signees who might end up in Austin, like four-star offensive tackle Malakai Lee.