The winds of change are blowing through Austin, and the Texas Longhorns are feeling every bit of it.
Just weeks after parting ways with defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, Texas has turned to a familiar face to take the reins of its defense-Will Muschamp. And while the move brings a seasoned veteran back into the fold, it’s clear the transition hasn’t been seamless, especially for the players who thrived under Kwiatkowski’s leadership.
Star linebacker Colin Simmons didn’t sugarcoat his reaction when asked about the coaching change. “That one hurt a little bit,” Simmons admitted.
“With [Kwiatkowski] being my coach coming in from high school, putting me in the right positions to go make plays.” That kind of honesty cuts through the usual press conference polish and speaks volumes about the bond Simmons-and likely others-had with their former coordinator.
Kwiatkowski, who took over the Longhorns’ defense in 2021, helped mold the unit into one of the most formidable in the country. His defensive schemes, player development, and ability to maximize talent were key reasons why Texas found itself back in national contention. Simmons, in particular, blossomed under his guidance, becoming a disruptive force and a cornerstone of the defense.
So when Kwiatkowski was let go, it wasn’t just a coaching change-it was a seismic shift in the locker room.
Enter Muschamp, a name that stirs up memories for Longhorn fans. He previously served as Texas’s defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2011 under Mack Brown, before leaving to become the head coach at Florida. Since then, he’s made stops at several programs, but now, over a decade later, he’s back in Austin with a tall task ahead: re-earning the trust of a locker room that’s still processing the loss of a beloved coach.
And Muschamp isn’t stepping into a static situation. Head coach Steve Sarkisian is overseeing a full-blown staff overhaul. Kwiatkowski wasn’t the only departure-defensive passing game coordinator Duane Akina was also let go, while director of scouting Errin Joe, running backs coach Chad Scott, and analyst Tyler Allen have all taken jobs elsewhere.
That’s not just turnover-that’s a reset.
And it doesn’t stop with the coaching staff. The transfer portal is about to swing open on January 2, and over a dozen Longhorns are expected to enter, including key contributors like running backs Quintrevion Wisner and C.J.
Baxter, wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr., linebacker Liona Lefau, and offensive lineman Connor Stroh. These aren’t fringe players-they’re core pieces of the roster.
So what does all this mean for Texas football heading into 2026? In short: change is coming, and it’s coming fast.
The Longhorns are staring down a season that will look dramatically different from the one they just wrapped. New voices in the meeting rooms, new faces on the sideline, and potentially a reshaped depth chart on the field. It’s a lot to process for a team that just got a taste of national prominence.
But sometimes, disruption can lead to evolution. Muschamp brings a wealth of experience and a fiery defensive mind.
Sarkisian, despite the staff shakeup, has proven he can recruit and develop talent. If the new pieces fall into place, this could be the next step in Texas’s climb back to the top.
Still, there’s no denying the emotional toll of losing a coach like Kwiatkowski, especially for players like Simmons who trusted him to guide their growth. Now, the challenge will be building that same trust with a new leader-one who’s done it before in Austin, but will need to do it all over again.
The 2026 Longhorns might not look like the 2025 version. But maybe that’s the point.