Sarkisian makes changes to defensive coaching staff, hires Will Muschamp to pivotal role

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian made significant changes to his defensive staff on Thursday and replaced coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and defensive passing game coordinator Duane Akina. Meanwhile, Sarkisian has also introduced a familiar face — former Texas defensive coordinator and veteran coach Will Muschamp — to lead Texas’ defense.

Kwiatkowski worked for five seasons in Austin, and Akina returned for one season in 2024. Sarkisian thanked both coaches for their contributions, saying their hard work helped drive the program’s recent success. At the same time, the head coach of Texas made clear why Muschamp’s return was a reasonable choice. “Having the opportunity to bring Will back gives us the leadership and energy to take our defense to another level,” he said. “He’s one of the best defensive minds in the game—our fans know what he means to Texas Football.”

Muschamp, who coordinated Texas’ defense from 2008–10, oversaw some of the program’s top defensive performances in school history. The Longhorns reached the BCS National Championship Game in 2009 after finishing third nationally the previous year, leading the nation in sacks and ranking within the top 10 major defensive categories during his tenure.

“This is an exciting day for our family,” Muschamp said. “We loved our time in Austin and can’t wait to get back. Coach Sark has done an incredible job rebuilding this program, and I’m fired up to join him and get to work.”

Muschamp’s coaching résumé is among the most extensive in college football. He has been head coach for Florida and South Carolina since leaving Texas; most recently, the Bulldogs won the 2021 and 2022 national championships as co-defensive coordinator at Georgia.

Georgia went 42-2 in his three years with the program. His return brings Texas back a known defensive architect as the Longhorns prep for a second season in the SEC, and that indicates Sarkisian’s desire to keep Texas at the best level.