Texas Will Join Steve Sarkisian’s Staff with a New Big 12 Head Coach
The Texas Longhorns football program has always been a cornerstone of college football. Known for its rich history, passionate fan base, and successful run in the Big 12 Conference, Texas has frequently been one of the most talked-about programs in the nation. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns are at a crossroads, with the program seeking to reclaim its former glory and once again compete for championships. Recent developments suggest that Sarkisian is taking a proactive step to ensure the future success of the program, and it appears that a new Big 12 head coach will be joining his staff to further solidify Texas’s position as one of the most formidable programs in college football.
The Landscape of Texas Football
Before delving into the specifics of this new development, it’s important to understand the context of where the Texas Longhorns football program stands as of now. Steve Sarkisian was hired as the head coach of the Longhorns in January 2021, after the program parted ways with Tom Herman. Despite an impressive pedigree that included stints as the offensive coordinator for Alabama and USC, Sarkisian’s first two seasons at the helm have been marked by inconsistency. The Longhorns have shown flashes of brilliance, but they’ve also struggled in pivotal moments, particularly in high-pressure games.
In 2021, Texas finished with a 5-7 record, marking its first losing season since 2016. The team showed promise on offense but was often undermined by its defense, which struggled to contain opposing teams. In 2022, Sarkisian and his staff sought to address these issues by bolstering the roster with key recruits and transfers, including quarterback Quinn Ewers from Ohio State. While the program showed significant improvement, it fell short of reaching the top of the Big 12 standings, finishing with an 8-4 record.
This mix of promise and disappointment led many to question whether Texas could truly compete for championships under Sarkisian’s leadership. The Longhorns have the talent and resources, but the question remains whether the coaching staff has the right formula to unlock the program’s full potential.
The Big 12 Landscape in Transition
As the Longhorns work to improve their standing, they’re also navigating a rapidly changing landscape in college football. The Big 12 Conference, once dominated by Texas and Oklahoma, is undergoing a major shift. In 2021, Texas and Oklahoma announced their departure from the Big 12 to join the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2025. This announcement sent shockwaves through the Big 12, as these two powerhouse programs have historically been the bedrock of the conference.
In the wake of this seismic shift, the Big 12 has been working to maintain its relevance, and in doing so, it has expanded to include four new teams: BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF. While the addition of these schools will bring new rivalries and challenges, it’s clear that the conference will have a different feel once Texas and Oklahoma depart. For Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns, the challenge is to ensure that they can remain competitive within the Big 12 in their final seasons while also preparing for their eventual transition to the SEC.
The Announcement: A New Big 12 Head Coach Joining Sarkisian’s Staff
In a surprise move, it was announced that a new Big 12 head coach would be joining Steve Sarkisian’s staff at Texas. This development is significant not only because it brings fresh leadership to Sarkisian’s program, but also because it reflects the evolving nature of college football coaching staffs.
The new coach in question is none other than Matt Campbell, the former head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones. Campbell, who had been with Iowa State since 2016, built a reputation as one of the most respected and innovative coaches in the Big 12. Under his leadership, Iowa State became a consistent contender in the conference, making several appearances in the Big 12 Championship game and earning a spot in major bowl games.
Campbell’s decision to join Sarkisian’s staff is both surprising and intriguing. For one, it signals that Texas is serious about elevating its program to new heights, particularly with the impending move to the SEC. By bringing in a coach with experience as a head coach in the Big 12, Sarkisian is ensuring that his team has a deep understanding of the intricacies of the conference, as well as the ability to compete at the highest level.
Matt Campbell’s Impact on Texas
Matt Campbell’s hiring comes at a pivotal moment for the Texas Longhorns. With Sarkisian attempting to mold the program into a national contender, Campbell’s expertise could prove invaluable in a variety of ways. First and foremost, Campbell is known for his ability to develop players, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines. Texas has long been criticized for its lack of consistency and depth in the trenches, and Campbell’s arrival could help fix this glaring issue.
Campbell’s coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, hard work, and attention to detail. These qualities were evident in Iowa State’s ability to compete with much larger programs year in and year out. While Texas has often struggled with mental lapses and inconsistency, Campbell’s leadership could provide the stability and structure that Sarkisian’s team needs to perform at a higher level.
One of Campbell’s greatest strengths is his ability to build a strong team culture. At Iowa State, he consistently emphasized the importance of team over individual accolades, and this mindset could be exactly what Texas needs. Sarkisian has had success in recruiting top-tier talent, but the Longhorns have struggled at times with chemistry and player development. Campbell’s addition to the staff could help bridge the gap between individual talent and collective success.
Furthermore, Campbell’s background as a recruiter could be a major asset to Texas. During his tenure at Iowa State, Campbell was able to identify and recruit under-the-radar prospects who later developed into NFL-caliber players. This ability to find hidden gems could help Texas in the recruiting battles, particularly in a competitive state like Texas, where high school football is king. Adding Campbell to the mix could give Sarkisian a valuable partner in the ongoing effort to recruit the best and brightest talent in the nation.
A Stronger Coaching Staff for the Future
The addition of Matt Campbell to Sarkisian’s staff is just one of many moves that Texas is making to ensure its future success. The Longhorns have also been making changes to their recruiting strategies, focusing on building a more well-rounded team rather than relying on a few star players. With the SEC looming on the horizon, Texas will need to have a more balanced and cohesive squad that can compete with the physicality and speed of the SEC’s top teams.
Moreover, the presence of Campbell on the staff brings a new dynamic to the coaching staff itself. Sarkisian has already made significant strides in building a strong offensive unit, but the addition of a coach with a proven track record on defense and in team-building could balance the staff’s overall approach. Campbell’s experience could help Texas shore up weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball, an area where the Longhorns have struggled in recent years.
What’s Next for Texas Football?
With Matt Campbell now on board, the Texas Longhorns are poised for an exciting future. The addition of such a respected and experienced coach to Sarkisian’s staff signals that Texas is committed to reclaiming its place among the nation’s elite programs. Sarkisian, who is under pressure to deliver results, now has a stronger coaching staff and a more complete roster to work with. The next few years will be critical for Texas, especially as they prepare to make the transition to the SEC, but with the right leadership in place, the Longhorns have the potential to become a perennial contender once again.
The Texas Longhorns are facing one of the most transformative periods in the program’s history. With Steve Sarkisian at the helm and Matt Campbell now part of the staff, the Longhorns are positioning themselves to make a statement in the Big 12 and beyond. Only time will tell whether this combination will be enough to return Texas to its former glory, but one thing is certain: the future of Longhorn football is looking brighter than ever.