Texas Longhorns Coach Steve Sarkisian Discusses ‘Awesome Addition’ of Neal Brown

The Texas Longhorns have been in the spotlight for their quest to return to prominence in college football, and with the hiring of Neal Brown, the program’s future looks brighter than ever. Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian recently commented on the “awesome addition” of Brown to the team’s coaching staff, emphasizing his excitement for what the veteran coach will bring to the table. With both coaches known for their offensive expertise, the combination promises to be an exciting development for the Longhorns as they aim to return to their winning ways.

Background on Steve Sarkisian: A Vision for Success

Steve Sarkisian was hired as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns in 2021 after an accomplished tenure at the University of Washington and the University of Southern California (USC). His coaching philosophy has always been rooted in building a balanced offensive scheme and developing quarterbacks into elite-level players. His success as an offensive coordinator in Alabama, where he helped mentor Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, cemented his reputation as one of the top offensive minds in college football.

When Sarkisian arrived in Austin, he inherited a program that had experienced considerable highs and lows over the previous decade. The Longhorns had immense talent, but they lacked the consistency required to compete at the highest level of college football. Sarkisian made it clear from the outset that his goal was to establish a culture of discipline, consistency, and sustained success.

As Texas embarked on its transformation under Sarkisian’s leadership, one of his priorities was to surround himself with a strong coaching staff capable of complementing his vision. This led to the hiring of various coaches, each with expertise in specific areas, and the addition of Neal Brown stands out as a pivotal move for Sarkisian.

Introduction of Neal Brown: A Proven Coach with a Diverse Skillset

Neal Brown is no stranger to the world of college football. His career has been marked by a steady ascent through the ranks of coaching, with stints at schools like Troy University, West Virginia University, and more. Before his time as a head coach, Brown was renowned for his work as an offensive coordinator. He spent time at schools like Texas Tech and Kentucky, where he developed a reputation for running high-powered, innovative offenses.

Brown’s coaching career took off during his time at Troy, where he was able to turn a mid-tier program into a competitive force in the Sun Belt Conference. His success there caught the attention of West Virginia, where he took over as head coach in 2019. During his time in Morgantown, Brown showcased his ability to build offensive systems that featured an explosive passing game while maintaining a focus on physicality and balance.

However, despite some notable successes, Brown’s tenure at West Virginia was marked by a few struggles, particularly when it came to achieving consistent success against top-tier opponents. After parting ways with West Virginia, Brown was considered one of the top assistant coaching candidates in the nation. His name surfaced frequently in conversations about potential hires for offensive coordinator positions, and the Texas Longhorns were quick to pounce on the opportunity to bring him into the fold.

Sarkisian’s Perspective on Neal Brown: An ‘Awesome Addition’

When speaking about Neal Brown, Steve Sarkisian was full of praise for the coach’s skill set and character. Sarkisian described Brown as an “awesome addition” to the Texas staff, emphasizing that his experience as a head coach would be invaluable for the Longhorns.

“Neal brings a wealth of experience to our staff. He’s been a head coach, he’s been a successful offensive coordinator, and he has a deep understanding of how to develop quarterbacks,” Sarkisian said. “His football IQ is off the charts, and his ability to relate to players is something that really stood out during the interview process. He’s got a great demeanor, he’s someone who is detail-oriented, and he knows how to get the best out of his players.”

Sarkisian’s excitement about Brown’s hiring is rooted in the fact that the two coaches share a similar offensive philosophy. Brown is known for his ability to implement dynamic schemes that involve both the running and passing games, much like Sarkisian’s own approach. This alignment in coaching philosophy was a significant factor in Sarkisian’s decision to bring Brown on board.

“I’m really excited about having him in the room,” Sarkisian continued. “He’s a guy who knows how to call plays, he knows how to develop young quarterbacks, and he has a great understanding of how to put players in positions to succeed. I think his addition will be huge for us moving forward.”

Coaching Synergy: How Neal Brown Complements Sarkisian’s Vision

The synergy between Sarkisian and Brown is expected to be a defining feature of their collaboration in Austin. Sarkisian’s offensive scheme is predicated on versatility—he values balance between the run and pass and seeks to keep defenses on their toes. He is also known for his emphasis on developing quarterbacks into leaders who can control the game and make quick decisions under pressure.

Brown’s experience as a quarterback developer aligns perfectly with this vision. Brown has worked with quarterbacks at various levels, and his ability to tailor offensive schemes to the strengths of individual players will be a significant asset to Sarkisian’s program. His familiarity with both spread and pro-style offenses gives him the flexibility to adapt to the talent on the roster, a key trait for any successful coach in today’s ever-evolving game.

Beyond his work with quarterbacks, Brown’s offensive systems place a heavy emphasis on tempo, balance, and creating mismatches on the field. These characteristics mirror Sarkisian’s own approach, ensuring that the two coaches will be in lockstep when it comes to offensive philosophy.

“I think the chemistry between us is going to be really strong,” said Sarkisian. “We both value the importance of offensive balance, and we both want to make sure we’re putting our players in the best positions to succeed. Neal’s experience in different offensive systems and his ability to adapt his philosophy to the players he has will help us as we continue to develop our offense.”

Impact on the Texas Longhorns Program

The addition of Neal Brown has the potential to elevate the Texas Longhorns to new heights. With the program already boasting a talented roster, the hiring of Brown gives the coaching staff a wealth of experience and a proven track record of developing both quarterbacks and offensive systems.

One of the areas where Brown is expected to make a significant impact is in quarterback development. Sarkisian’s success with quarterbacks like Bryce Young at Alabama speaks for itself, but having someone like Brown on the staff will provide an additional layer of expertise. Brown’s previous work with quarterbacks at places like West Virginia and Troy will be invaluable in guiding Texas’s young quarterbacks as they continue to grow.

The combination of Sarkisian’s vision and Brown’s expertise creates a formidable offensive coaching staff that can develop schemes that take full advantage of the Longhorns’ talent. This may be especially crucial in the competitive Big 12, where offensive firepower is essential to keeping pace with teams like Oklahoma and Baylor.

 A Bright Future for Texas Football

The hiring of Neal Brown is a major step forward for Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns. The partnership between the two coaches promises to enhance the offensive capabilities of the team, particularly in developing quarterbacks and creating a more versatile attack. With both coaches on the same page philosophically, Texas fans can look forward to an exciting future as the program continues its quest for success in the college football world.

Sarkisian’s confidence in Brown, coupled with the synergy between their offensive approaches, sets the stage for a potentially transformative period for the Longhorns. As the team looks to regain its place among the elite programs in the country, the addition of Neal Brown stands as a pivotal moment in their ongoing journey. The combination of experience, vision, and execution makes Brown’s arrival a game-changer for the Texas Longhorns, and fans can’t wait to see how his contributions will play out on the field.