Texas Longhorns Hire New Assistant to Help Fix Special Teams Issues

The Texas Longhorns football program, one of the most storied and successful in college football history, has always been a perennial powerhouse. With an illustrious tradition, massive fanbase, and a legacy of national championships, it has remained a program that attracts top-tier talent both on the field and in the coaching ranks. However, over recent seasons, the Longhorns have faced some issues that have kept them from returning to their former glory. While the offense and defense have generally remained competitive, the special teams unit has been one of the program’s most persistent weaknesses.

In an effort to address this issue head-on, the Texas Longhorns have hired a new assistant coach specifically tasked with improving their special teams play. This move signals a renewed focus on all aspects of the game, as Texas looks to address an area that has hindered their ability to compete at the highest level.

The Importance of Special Teams in College Football

Special teams, often overlooked in the grand scheme of football, can make or break a team’s season. In many games, the difference between a win and a loss can come down to a field goal, a punt, or a kickoff return. A team that excels in special teams can flip the field, create scoring opportunities, and avoid giving up crucial points in tight games. Conversely, poor special teams play can result in missed opportunities, poor field position, and, in some cases, game-changing mistakes.

Texas, over the years, has had flashes of brilliance in special teams but has been inconsistent. Punt returns, kickoffs, place-kicking, and coverage units have often been plagued by missed assignments, penalties, and occasional breakdowns in execution. As the team tries to position itself for a return to the top of the Big 12 and national prominence, fixing the special teams issues has become a priority for head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Why the Hiring of a New Special Teams Assistant Matters

Hiring a new assistant coach specifically for special teams is a significant move. While many head coaches delegate special teams responsibilities to a position coach, Texas decided to bring in someone entirely dedicated to the unit. This signals the importance of special teams in the program’s long-term strategy.

By adding this specialized role, Sarkisian is sending a clear message that Texas understands the importance of special teams and that improving in this area will be a key part of their quest to return to championship contention. Special teams play a pivotal role in every aspect of a football game, and the Longhorns’ lack of consistency in that area has been a point of frustration for fans and coaches alike.

The New Hire: What We Know About the Coach

The new hire, whose name is still in the process of being finalized, is expected to bring a wealth of experience and expertise in the special teams department. While the identity of the coach remains under wraps at this time, several things are known about the type of individual the Longhorns are bringing in.

First and foremost, the new assistant is expected to have extensive experience coaching special teams at the collegiate level. The Longhorns’ special teams issues have been largely tactical, with breakdowns in coverage and poor execution on returns and kicks. Bringing in someone with a track record of developing successful special teams units will help the Longhorns address these issues from the ground up. The special teams coach will be responsible for all aspects of the unit, including the punt and kick coverage teams, return units, and field-goal and extra-point operations.

The new coach will also be tasked with improving the team’s depth and consistency. Special teams often require players from all positions to step up and contribute, whether it’s a wide receiver helping out as a returner or a linebacker covering a kick. The assistant will work closely with Sarkisian and other position coaches to develop these players into specialists capable of making plays on special teams, and they will likely help implement specific drills and strategies to better execute in high-pressure situations.

A key part of the new hire’s focus will also likely be the development of a kicker and punter, areas where Texas has struggled in recent years. Whether it’s consistently converting field goals or flipping the field with effective punting, special teams are just as much about skill as they are about strategy. A fresh perspective and specific expertise on coaching these areas could prove invaluable for the Longhorns.

Finally, a coach who is known for his ability to recruit and identify talent will help Texas further shore up its special teams units. Recruiting specialists, such as kickers, punters, and returners, requires a distinct skill set, and the new hire’s network and recruiting acumen will be crucial in landing top-tier players who can help the Longhorns become competitive in all three phases of the game.

Assessing Texas’ Recent Special Teams Performance

To understand the significance of this new hire, it’s essential to evaluate the state of Texas’ special teams performance in recent seasons. The Longhorns have had moments of brilliance but have struggled in critical areas at times.

1. Place-Kicking: The place-kicking situation at Texas has been unstable over the last few seasons. There have been games where missed field goals, especially in close contests, have had a significant impact on the outcome. The team has used a few different kickers, but finding consistency in this area has been a challenge. The new special teams assistant will likely focus on stabilizing this position and ensuring that field goals and extra points are consistently converted.
2. Punting: Punting is another area that has caused concern for Texas in recent seasons. While the Longhorns have had some talented punters, inconsistency in this area has occasionally left the defense in tough spots. Whether it’s poor hang-time on punts or lack of directional accuracy, the punting unit has not always been as reliable as Texas would like.
3. Kickoff and Punt Coverage: Coverage teams are often where special teams breakdowns occur. Texas has struggled with containment and discipline on coverage units, which has allowed opposing teams to return kicks and punts for large gains. Improving coverage will be one of the most immediate priorities for the new special teams assistant.
4. Return Units: The Longhorns have also had mixed results with their return game. While they have had some explosive plays, the return units have often been stymied by poor blocking or mistakes in judgment. A new voice and approach could help unlock potential in this area.
5. Penalties: Special teams penalties, particularly on kickoffs and punts, have been an issue for the Longhorns. Whether it’s a holding penalty on a return or a personal foul on a coverage unit, these penalties can negate positive gains and shift momentum. The new special teams coach will need to emphasize discipline and focus on minimizing mistakes in high-pressure situations.

The Longhorns are hoping that with the addition of a dedicated special teams coach, these problems will be addressed and remedied. By fixing these issues, they can take a significant step toward becoming a more well-rounded team.

What This Hire Means for the Longhorns’ 2025 Season

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the addition of a new special teams coach is a critical move for the Longhorns as they attempt to compete for a Big 12 championship and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff. Texas has a talented roster, but one of the keys to elevating their performance is ensuring that they are solid in all three phases of the game.

A more consistent special teams unit could lead to better field position, more scoring opportunities, and fewer game-changing mistakes. This, in turn, could make the Longhorns a much more dangerous team in the Big 12. Additionally, special teams success can often lead to increased morale for the entire team, as players who contribute in this area gain confidence and feel more integrated into the game plan.

The Longhorns have been on the cusp of returning to national relevance for some time. The 2025 season could be the year they put everything together. With improvements in special teams, the Longhorns will have the chance to compete with the best teams in the country and potentially make a run at a national title.

The Texas Longhorns’ decision to hire a dedicated special teams assistant is a strategic move that reflects a growing commitment to addressing all aspects of the game. While special teams often don’t get as much attention as offense and defense, it is undeniable that success in this area can have a profound impact on a team’s overall performance.

As the 2025 season looms, the Longhorns are poised to make a push for the Big 12 title and beyond. With a revamped special teams unit, Texas can eliminate many of the mistakes that have plagued them in the past and give themselves a better shot at returning to the top of college football. This hire marks a significant step forward in the Longhorns’ journey back to relevance, and it will be fascinating to see how it impacts the team moving forward.