Will Muschamp Returns to Texas as Defensive Coordinator, Reunites with Sarkisian in Major SEC Move
Will Muschamp is back in the saddle-and back in burnt orange.
After taking a year off from coaching, the former Georgia co-defensive coordinator is heading to Texas to lead the Longhorns' defense under head coach Steve Sarkisian. For Muschamp, it’s not just a new job-it’s a return to familiar territory, and a chance to help shape a program that’s reestablishing itself as a national contender.
“This is an exciting day for the Muschamp family,” Muschamp said. “We loved our time in Austin and truly enjoyed everything about working with Texas Football. We're thrilled to be coming back to a program with one of the richest and proudest histories and traditions in college football.”
And make no mistake-this isn’t just a nostalgia trip. Muschamp sees real momentum in Austin.
“With what Coach Sark has done in rebuilding this program-knowing there are even better days ahead-I was fired up for the opportunity,” he added. “I have tremendous respect and admiration for Sark, how he leads his program, develops his team and players, builds culture and goes about his business.
I'm excited to be a part of it and can't wait to get started. Hook ‘em!”
A Proven Winner with Deep SEC Roots
Muschamp brings a wealth of experience and a championship pedigree. He spent the last few years as a key piece of Kirby Smart’s staff at Georgia, where he helped engineer one of the most dominant stretches in recent college football history.
From 2021 to 2023, Georgia went 42-2 and captured back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022. Whether in an analyst role or as co-defensive coordinator, Muschamp played a significant part in building one of the most feared defenses in the country.
His SEC résumé is deep. Muschamp has served as head coach at both South Carolina and Florida, compiling a 56-51 record across nine seasons. While those tenures had their ups and downs, they provided invaluable leadership experience and a deeper understanding of what it takes to compete in the toughest conference in college football.
He’s also made stops at Auburn, LSU, and even the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, consistently shaping hard-nosed, aggressive defenses that reflect his intense, detail-oriented approach.
Coaching Timeline: A Journey Through the Ranks
Muschamp’s coaching journey began back in the mid-90s as a graduate assistant at Georgia, and it’s been a steady climb ever since. From small-school gigs at West Georgia and Eastern Kentucky to high-profile roles at LSU and Texas, he’s built a reputation as one of the most respected defensive minds in the game.
Here’s a snapshot of his coaching path:
- 2024: Georgia (Defensive Analyst)
- 2022-23: Georgia (Co-Defensive Coordinator)
- 2021: Georgia (Defensive Analyst/Special Teams Coordinator)
- 2016-20: South Carolina (Head Coach)
- 2015: Auburn (Defensive Coordinator)
- 2011-14: Florida (Head Coach)
- 2008-10: Texas (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers)
- 2006-07: Auburn (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers)
- 2005: Miami Dolphins (Assistant Head Coach)
- 2002-04: LSU (Defensive Coordinator)
- 2001: LSU (Linebackers)
- 2000: Valdosta State (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs)
- 1999: Eastern Kentucky (Defensive Backs)
- 1998: West Georgia College (Defensive Backs)
- 1995-96: Georgia (Graduate Assistant)
What It Means for Texas
Bringing Muschamp back into the fold is more than just a reunion-it’s a statement. Texas is serious about competing at the highest level in the SEC, and Muschamp’s return adds a layer of experience, toughness, and championship DNA to a team that’s already trending upward under Sarkisian.
Muschamp knows the conference inside and out. He knows how to build defenses that can withstand the weekly grind of SEC play. And perhaps most importantly, he knows what it takes to win at the highest level.
For Texas, the timing couldn’t be better. As the Longhorns continue their transition into full-fledged SEC competitors, having a battle-tested defensive coordinator with deep roots in the league could be the edge they need.
And for Muschamp, it’s a second act in Austin with unfinished business-and a chance to be part of something big.