Texas Longhorns Closing in on New RB Coach
As the college football world gears up for the 2025 season, the Texas Longhorns are looking to make a pivotal move that could strengthen their already potent offense. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have made strides in building a national championship-contending program, with a high-powered offense and one of the most dynamic quarterback situations in the country. However, one key area that has been a focus of attention for Texas is the running back position. With the departure of standout running back Bijan Robinson to the NFL, Texas is in need of a coach who can continue to develop the next generation of stars in their backfield.
In light of this need, rumors have surfaced that Texas is closing in on a new running backs coach who could help them maintain their dominance at the position. While nothing has been confirmed yet, sources have indicated that the Longhorns are in the final stages of their search for a new coach, and the identity of the candidate is quickly becoming one of the most closely watched storylines of the offseason.
In this article, we’ll break down what we know about the Texas Longhorns’ search for a new running backs coach, the potential candidates that could be in play, and why this hire is crucial for the future of the program.
The Texas Running Back Situation
Before diving into the coaching search, it’s important to understand the context surrounding the running back position at Texas. The Longhorns have long been known for producing elite running backs, with a storied history that includes players like Earl Campbell, Ricky Williams, and more recently, Bijan Robinson. Robinson, who left for the NFL after a stellar 2022 season, was a Heisman Trophy finalist and widely regarded as one of the best running backs in college football.
With Robinson now playing in the NFL, Texas is looking to fill the void left by his departure. While the Longhorns return several talented running backs, including Roschon Johnson and Keilan Robinson, the team needs to ensure that their backfield remains strong and continues to produce at a high level.
In 2023, Johnson and Robinson were expected to share duties in the backfield, with each bringing a unique set of skills to the table. The Longhorns also added promising recruits and transfers to bolster the running back depth chart. However, Sarkisian is acutely aware that the running back position will play a major role in the team’s success moving forward, and that’s where a new coach comes into the equation.
The Need for a New Running Backs Coach
Texas is no stranger to having high expectations when it comes to player development, and the running back position is no exception. After the departure of Stan Drayton, who coached the running backs for three years before leaving for the head coaching position at Temple, Texas has been looking for a coach who can continue to build upon the success the Longhorns have had at the position.
Drayton was instrumental in the development of Bijan Robinson, helping him grow into one of the most complete backs in college football. Under Drayton’s tutelage, Robinson showcased not only his speed and agility but also his vision, pass-catching ability, and ability to protect the quarterback in the passing game. In addition, Drayton’s ability to coach up players like Roschon Johnson into reliable backs behind Robinson left a lasting impression on the program.
Replacing Drayton, especially with the legacy left by Robinson, is no easy task. Texas is looking for someone who can continue to recruit top-tier talent while developing the players already in the program. The Longhorns’ new running backs coach will need to work with both young prospects and established backs to ensure that the Texas rushing attack remains among the best in the nation.
Candidates for the Texas Running Backs Coach Position
As the search for a new running backs coach heats up, several candidates have been rumored to be in play for the position. While the Texas coaching staff has remained tight-lipped about the process, sources have provided some insight into the types of candidates that could be under consideration.
1. E.J. Barthel (Nebraska)
E.J. Barthel has emerged as a possible candidate for the job. Barthel has made a name for himself as a rising star in the coaching ranks, particularly for his work with Nebraska’s running backs. His success at Nebraska, where he helped develop standout backs like Anthony Grant, has caught the attention of several top programs. Barthel’s high-energy coaching style and ability to develop talent make him an intriguing option for the Longhorns.
Barthel’s background as a coach in both the NFL and college football gives him a well-rounded perspective on how to develop players at the next level. With Texas needing someone who can both recruit elite talent and coach up the players already on the roster, Barthel could be a great fit. While he has built a solid reputation at Nebraska, the allure of joining a top-tier program like Texas could be enough to bring him to Austin.
2. Tashard Choice (Dallas Cowboys)
Another name that has been mentioned as a potential candidate for Texas’ running backs coach position is Tashard Choice, the current running backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys. Choice, who had a successful playing career as a running back in the NFL, has made a smooth transition into coaching. He has worked with some of the best running backs in the NFL, including Ezekiel Elliott, and his experience in the professional ranks would be valuable in developing talent at the collegiate level.
Choice’s reputation as a strong recruiter and developer of talent could make him an attractive candidate for Texas. He has already shown that he can handle the pressures of coaching at the highest levels, and his experience working with elite running backs could help elevate the Longhorns’ backfield.
3. Kerry Coombs (Former Ohio State Assistant)
Kerry Coombs, best known for his time as the defensive backs coach at Ohio State, has a long history of coaching success at the college level. While he is primarily known for his work with defensive players, Coombs has also had a role in developing players on the offensive side of the ball during his coaching career. His versatility and recruiting prowess make him an intriguing candidate, although his focus has typically been on defense. If Texas were to bring him in, it would be a sign that the program is looking for someone with a broad skill set who can continue to elevate all facets of the team.
4. Corey Dennis (Ohio State)
Corey Dennis, Ohio State’s quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, has been mentioned in connection with the position as well. Dennis has worked closely with one of the top quarterback rooms in the country, including Heisman candidates and first-round picks. Although his expertise is at the quarterback position, Dennis has worked alongside several coaches who have developed elite running backs at Ohio State, including Tony Alford, the program’s long-time running backs coach.
While it may be a bit of a longshot, Dennis’ background and understanding of offensive football could bring a fresh perspective to the running back position.
Why This Hire Is Crucial for Texas
The hire of a new running backs coach is crucial for the future of the Texas Longhorns. Texas’ offense has the potential to be one of the most explosive units in the country, with talented skill players and a quarterback capable of leading the team to a national title. However, the Longhorns need to ensure that they have the right people in place to develop the running back talent that will complement their potent passing attack.
A new running backs coach will also play a significant role in recruiting. Texas is always in the hunt for top talent, and with the influx of talent in the state of Texas and beyond, the Longhorns need someone who can identify and develop elite prospects. Ensuring that they maintain one of the nation’s best backfields will be a key factor in Texas’ ability to compete at the highest level.