On Sunday, reports of Texas defensive coordinator Todd Orlando’s firing proved to be true. Orlando along with passing game coordinator/outside receivers coach Drew Mehringer and inside receivers coach Corby Meekins were relived of their duties. Meekins will remain with the team/university in an administrative capacity the school announced Sunday. Co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Craig Naivar will serve as defensive coordinator on an interim basis, and Andre Coleman will serve as interim wide receivers coach. Jeremiah George will assume the duties of linebackers coach, also on an interim basis.
The changes come after the Longhorns finished the regular season a disappointing 7-5 after a 10-win season last year, including a Sugar Bowl victory over the Georgia Bulldogs.
“After taking time, looking back and evaluating the season in its totality, I am very disappointed in our performance in a number of areas in 2019,” Herman said. “7-5 will never be our standard at Texas and I take full responsibility for any and all of our shortcomings and know we need to do a better job coaching across the board. With that said, I do believe the future is very bright, have decided to make some changes to our staff as we head into bowl preparation and look to finish strong in the final weeks of fall recruiting.”
The Longhorns are making additional changes to the offensive coaching staff. Tim Beck’s title of offensive coordinator has been removed and he will continue in his role as quarterbacks coach through the bowl game. The search for an offensive coordinator is already underway.
“I’m truly grateful for everything Todd, Drew and Corby have done, not only for us here at Texas, but in building the program at Houston, as well,” Herman said. “These were very difficult decisions and certainly not an indictment of them as coaches, I just believe we need a fresh set of eyes and infusion of new ideas and energy to help us grow across the board.”
With the early period for National Signing Day just two weeks away, Director of Recruiting Bryan Carrington has been moved to an assistant coach role on an interim basis to help the team’s recruiting efforts on the road.
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