Will Muschamp Returns to Texas to Revamp the Longhorns Defense
The former head coach has transformed the unit into an aggressive force that is keeping Texas alive in the SEC and playoff race.
By Lorenzo Patterson ·
Will Muschamp spent his 2025 sabbatical playing golf and keeping his wife company in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was ready for a change when Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian called in early December 2025 to offer him the defensive coordinator job.
Muschamp, who coached the Longhorns from 2008 to 2010, replaced Pete Kwiatkowski on Dec. 18, 2025. The move followed a difficult 2025 season where Texas allowed 30 points or more in four of its last five regular-season games and missed the College Football Playoff despite a preseason No. 1 ranking.
Under Muschamp, the defense has shifted toward a more aggressive style. The Longhorns now pressure the quarterback 32% of the time and blitz 28% of the time, up from 21% the previous year. This schematic change has produced tangible results on the scoreboard. Texas ranks third in the SEC with an average of 17.4 points allowed per game.
The unit demonstrated its resilience in a 34-20 win over Missouri. With the score tied at 20 in the fourth quarter, the defense forced three straight three-and-outs and secured a fourth-down stop with 53 seconds remaining. Missouri managed only 12 yards on 12 plays in that final period.
Muschamp also oversaw a second-half comeback against Ohio State on Sept. 12. Trailing 23-3 entering the fourth quarter, the Longhorns switched to tighter man coverage and held the Buckeyes to a field goal and 129 yards. They won the game 24-23. Two weeks later, Texas recorded 10 sacks against Tennessee.
The team currently ranks fourth in the SEC with 27 sacks. It is also best in the conference at preventing touchdowns in the red zone, allowing scores only 39% of the time after opponents reach the 20-yard line. That figure stood at 62% last season.
Players have adjusted to Muschamp's intense coaching methods. He arrived in spring wearing a shirt that read NT=NP, a code for no thud equals no play. He told the team that players who do not tackle hard in practice will not play in games. The defense enters its matchup against No. 14 LSU with this structure in place.
