The Texas Longhorns lost one of their top assistants this week when former safeties coach Blake Gideon took a position as defensive coordinator with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
Gideon’s move is surprising, especially given Texas’ recent defensive success under his guidance, but how will this affect the Longhorns’ chances at making another deep College Football Playoff run?
Jonah Williams’ One-Word Reaction to Blake Gideon’s Departure Speaks Volumes
Blake Gideon spent four years in Austin and shaped the Longhorns’ secondary into one of the best in the country. In 2024, Texas’s unit ranked first in passing yards allowed per attempt (5.69) and per completion (9.52), reflecting his impact on the defensive backfield.
Gideon’s departure raises significant issues about how the defense will adjust and who will succeed him in this crucial coaching role.
Jonah Williams’ One-Word Reaction
The news broke on Thursday, sparking a one-word response from 2025 Longhorns safety prospect Jonah Williams.
“Man,” he posted on X.
This one-word comment captures the astonishment experienced by Texas players and their fans. Williams, who committed to Texas with the expectation of being mentored by Gideon, now faces uncertainty as the Longhorns hunt for a new coach.
Blake Gideon’s Longhorn Legacy
Gideon has significantly impacted Texas’ secondary over the last four seasons, coaching standout safeties like Michael Taaffe, Andrew Mukuba, Derek Williams Jr., and Anthony Cook.
Under his leadership, the Longhorns’ pass defense was among the best in the country, allowing only 173.8 passing yards per game and 0.6 passing touchdowns per game in 2024, which ranked 7th and tied for 1st, respectively.
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Gideon’s services will be challenging to replace, but his departure allows for a new perspective on the program.
CJ Vogel of On Texas Football believes the Texas Longhorns’ defense will be formidable in 2025 despite Gideon’s departure to Georgia Tech. Vogel underlined that the next safety coach would inherit a skilled core.
Terry Joseph, a current defensive coach with Texas, could ensure continuity by promoting someone from within the program. This would also lead to progressed coaching since Joseph is already familiar with the current scheme and program culture.
Michael Huff, a former Texas standout and current assistant defensive backs coach, also has the expertise and knowledge to transition into the role effortlessly, and his link with the program makes him an ideal candidate like Joseph.
Finding a Successor
Gideon’s departure to Georgia Tech is a game-changer for both teams. Texas loses a major defensive coach, and the Yellow Jackets are getting a seasoned leader with a successful track record in secondary development.
The Longhorns now face a critical time in identifying a successor who can maintain their defensive supremacy.
Bookmark our site for updates as Texas continues the hunt for this coaching position. The Longhorns will begin the 2025 season against Ohio State on Aug. 30.
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