Will Muschamp Returns to Texas in Stunning Defensive Overhaul by Steve Sarkisian
Just when it looked like the Texas Longhorns were headed for a relatively calm offseason, head coach Steve Sarkisian reminded everyone that stability doesn’t always mean standing pat.
Coming off a 9-3 season and with two College Football Playoff appearances in the last three years, the vibes in Austin were leaning more toward transfer portal maneuvering than major coaching changes. Arch Manning had already announced he’d be back for 2026, both coordinators seemed locked in, and there was a sense that the Longhorns were building toward something big.
Then came Thursday.
In a move that caught just about everyone off guard, Sarkisian fired defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and defensive backs coach Duane Akina, announcing that Will Muschamp would return to Austin as the new defensive coordinator. For Longhorns fans, it was a jolt - not just because of who was let go, but because of who’s coming back.
A Familiar Face Returns
Will Muschamp’s name hasn’t echoed through the halls of the Texas football facility in over a decade, but it still carries weight. From 2008 to 2010, Muschamp was the architect of some of the most physical, aggressive defenses in the country under Mack Brown. He was so highly thought of at the time that Texas named him "head coach in waiting" - a title that never materialized, as Muschamp left to take the head coaching job at Florida.
Since then, Muschamp’s coaching journey has taken him across the SEC map: head coach at Florida, defensive coordinator at Auburn, head coach at South Carolina, and most recently, a key figure on Kirby Smart’s staff at Georgia from 2021 to 2025. That’s a résumé packed with experience at the highest levels of college football, and now it’s coming full circle back to Austin.
The Kwiatkowski Decision: A Surprise Move
Let’s be clear - Texas’ defense wasn’t the team’s biggest issue this season. The unit had its ups and downs, but overall, it held its own in a tough Big 12 slate.
That’s why the decision to move on from Pete Kwiatkowski came as such a surprise. While there was some thought that tweaks might be made on the defensive side, few expected the coordinator himself to be shown the door.
Kwiatkowski had helped build a defense that was physical up front and capable of limiting explosive plays - a solid foundation in today’s college game. But Sarkisian clearly felt that the program needed a different voice, a different vision, or maybe just a jolt of energy as Texas eyes a national title push.
What Muschamp Brings to the Table
Muschamp is known for his intensity, his defensive IQ, and his ability to mold front sevens into dominant forces. He’s also a fiery presence on the sideline - the kind of coach who brings edge, passion, and a relentless focus on fundamentals.
He’ll inherit a defense with real talent, including a core that’s been battle-tested in big games and knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. The expectation isn’t just to maintain - it’s to elevate.
With Manning returning and the offensive pieces in place, the Longhorns are clearly gearing up for a serious run in 2026. Muschamp’s job will be to turn a good defense into a great one.
A Bold Bet by Sarkisian
This move is more than just a coaching change - it’s a statement. Sarkisian isn’t content with making the Playoff.
He wants to win it all. And to do that, he’s betting on a veteran coach with deep Texas ties and a proven track record of building elite defenses.
Whether it works or not remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: with Will Muschamp back in burnt orange, Texas just got a whole lot more interesting.