Texas fires defensive coordinator, brings back ex-SEC head coach as replacement
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Texas coach Steve Sarkisian made big changes to the Longhorns’ coaching staff on Thursday afternoon.
Sarkisian has fired defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski following a 9-3 season in Austin. Texas has also parted ways with secondary coach Duane Akina. Sarkisian also announced that former Florida and South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp has been hired as the program’s next defensive coordinator.
“We appreciate all that Pete Kwiatkowski has done for the program in his five years coordinating our defense and are grateful for Duane Akina’s efforts in returning to the program this past year,” Sarkisian said in a statement. “They are both tremendous coaches and people that worked extremely hard for Texas Football and the players they coached. We have had a great deal of success, are thankful for the roles they played in that, and wish them the best.
“But at this time, we just felt it was best for our program to move in a different direction, and having the opportunity to hire Will Muschamp provides us the leadership to take our defense to another level. Will is a guy I’ve known for a long time, always admired and is as good of a defensive mind and coach as I’ve ever coached against. His defenses are relentless; he absolutely gets the best out of his staff and players and is such an extremely well-respected coach. I know Longhorn Nation knows him well, he led some incredible defenses here on the Forty, and I’m so fired up to be bringing him back to Texas. He’ll be an awesome addition to our staff.”
Kwiatkowski’s dismissal is a surprise. Texas allowed 4.95 yards per play this season, which ranks tied for 5th in the SEC. The Longhorns were No. 3 in the nation in scoring defense in 2024. He spent 5 seasons in Austin.
For Muschamp, this is a return to Texas. He was once the program’s defensive coordinator (and coach-in-waiting) under Mack Brown. However, he left Texas after the 2010 season to be the head coach at Florida. Muschamp has been a defensive analyst at Georgia over the past 2 seasons.
“This is an exciting day for the Muschamp family,” Muschamp said in a statement. “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. With what Coach Sark has done in rebuilding this program – knowing there are even better days ahead – I was fired up for the opportunity. 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!”
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
