The Texas Longhorns’ coaching staff, under head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, has undergone considerable changes in preparation for the 2025 season. These strategic modifications are intended to improve the team’s performance as they enter Year 2 in the SEC.
Texas Longhorns Coaching Staff
Head Coach, Steve Sarkisian
Steve Sarkisian reaffirmed his commitment to the Longhorns in January 2025, signing a contract extension through the 2031 season. The decision came amid interest from NFL teams, demonstrating his commitment to Texas’ future.
The deal includes a significant boost, putting Sarkisian among the highest-paid college football coaches. Under his leadership, the Longhorns reached consecutive College Football Playoff semifinals, demonstrating the program’s upward trajectory.
Coaching experience:
- 2021-present: Texas (HC)
- 2019-2020: Alabama (OC/QB)
- 2017-18: Atlanta Falcons (OC)
- 2016: Alabama (Interim OC/Analyst)
- 2014-15: USC (HC)
- 2009-13: Washington (HC)
- 2007-08: USC (Asst. HC/OC/QB)
- 2005-06: USC (QB)
- 2004: Oakland Raiders (QB)
- 2001-03: USC (QB)
- 2000: El Camino College (QB)
Defensive Coordinator, Pete Kwiatkowski
Since joining Texas in 2021, Defensive Coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski has turned the Longhorns’ defense from a struggling team (ranked 100th nationally) to a top-five powerhouse in total defense.
Kwiatkowski, recognized for his strategic adaptability and calm manner, orchestrated one of college football’s most spectacular defensive turnarounds. His defenses have excelled with gap integrity, disciplined tackling, and strong run defense – an ideal combination for SEC play.
Offensive Coordinator, Kyle Flood
Sarkisian is joined on the Texas coaching staff by long-time associate Kyle Flood, who serves as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Flood served alongside the Texas head coach during his previous stops at Alabama and the Falcons before joining the Longhorns in 2021.
Flood is a renowned offensive line coach who helped the 2020 Alabama OL win the prestigious Joe Moore Award. Meanwhile, his 2017 Falcons allowed just 24 sacks, ranking third-lowest in the NFL.
While seeing success at Alabama and in Atlanta as an offensive line coach, Flood also has head coaching experience at the college level. He led Rutgers to three consecutive bowl game appearances between 2012 and 2014 before his departure following the 2015 campaign.
Running Backs Coach, Chad Scott
Chad Scott, who previously served as West Virginia’s Offensive Coordinator and Running Backs Coach, has over 20 years of coaching experience and a track record of developing physical, elusive backs. He is charged with continuing Texas’ elite running back legacy, following in the footsteps of prior players like Bijan Robinson and Jonathon Brooks.
His ability to teach vision, cutback ability, and physicality will be critical in difficult SEC games.
Defensive Line Coach, Kenny Baker
In January 2024, Kenny Baker became the Defensive Line Coach for the Texas Longhorns. Before landing this position, he was the Miami Dolphins’ Assistant Defensive Line Coach in 2023, where he helped lead a team that finished 10th in the NFL and set a franchise record with 56 sacks.
Baker’s collegiate coaching experience includes roles at Western Kentucky, UT-Chattanooga, and Mercer University, where he helped produce standout defensive linemen and improve team defenses.
Baker, a former team captain and Defensive Player of the Year at Gardner-Webb University, has a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education and a master’s in higher education leadership. His extensive coaching background and commitment to player development are expected to substantially improve the Longhorns’ defensive front.
Defensive Passing Game Coordinator, Duane Akina
Duane Akina, one of the most respected names in defensive back coaching, returns to Texas following stops at Arizona and Stanford. Akina, a legendary character in Austin, coached Thorpe Award winners Michael Huff and Aaron Ross during his first 13 years at Texas.
His return adds bravado and tradition to a young secondary preparing to face elite SEC quarterbacks.
Assistant Football Coach, Mark Orphey
Mark Orphey, a rising star in the coaching ranks, joins the Longhorns after coaching stints at Michigan State, Alabama, and Utah State. Orphey’s coaching style is based on technique, tenacity, and persistent energy, and he is expected to sustain the outstanding standards achieved by Texas cornerbacks in recent seasons.
Sarkisian acknowledged Orphey’s expertise in both the Big Ten and SEC as a significant advantage in this new conference era.
Defensive Edge Coach, LaAllan Clark
New hire LaAllan Clark has NFL development experience, including time at LSU and as a GA under Ryan Day at Ohio State. He specializes in developing persistent edge rushers, the type Texas requires to routinely challenge SEC quarterbacks.
Clark is expected to focus on developing players like Ethan Burke and Colton Vasek, who have the potential to be next-level disruptors.
Co-Passing Game Coordinator & Assistant Quarterbacks Coach, Michael Bimonte
Michael Bimonte was promoted from within and has quietly become one of Sarkisian’s most trusted quarterbacks. As a former collegiate quarterback and analytics expert, Bimonte assists with play design, video analysis, and situational preparation. His promotion demonstrates Sark’s belief in a coordinated offensive strategy.
Passing Game Coordinator / WR, Chris Jackson
Chris Jackson, the Texas Longhorns’ passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach, has made a considerable impact on recruiting and player development since his hiring on Jan. 24, 2023. His considerable expertise includes a decade in the NFL, including five years as a player and five as a coach.
Notably, during his 2022 career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jackson tutored wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones to successful seasons, with both amassing over 80 receptions. In Texas, Jackson’s recruiting skills were critical in securing the nation’s top-ranked 2025 recruiting class.
Jackson’s recruiting strategy focuses on athletes with the potential to move to the NFL within three to four years, emphasizing his dedication to quality and player development.
Linebackers Coach, Johnny Nansen
After playing a pivotal part in the Arizona Wildcats’ emergence last fall, Johnny Nansen was a hot commodity in the offseason. He opted to join the Texas coaching staff for the 2024 season, acting as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator. In addition to his prior coaching roles at multiple Pac-12 programs, Nansen is a renowned, award-winning recruiter.
KEEP READING: Top 10 Texas QBs of All-Time Include Vince Young, Colt McCoy
The 2025 Texas Longhorns are more than just a rising team; they are a program destined to dominate college football’s most competitive conference. With a stronger coaching staff and a visionary at the lead, Texas supporters have every reason to believe that the phrase “Texas is back” will finally stick.
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