The Texas Longhorns officially announce their 2025 coaching hiring and promotions.
Texas Longhorns Officially Announce 2025 Coaching Hires and Promotions
Austin, Texas — In a pivotal move to reinforce their legacy as one of college football’s premier programs, the University of Texas Longhorns have officially announced a series of significant coaching hires and promotions as part of their efforts to continue building a championship-caliber team for the 2025 season and beyond. These changes are aimed at strengthening the Longhorns’ football program, enhancing player development, and positioning the team for success in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference and national spotlight.
New Faces in Key Roles
As part of the new coaching structure, Texas has brought in several new coaches to critical positions, focusing on areas that will impact both the offensive and defensive units.
1. Offensive Coordinator – John Smith
After an exhaustive search, Texas has officially hired John Smith as the program’s new Offensive Coordinator. Smith, 45, brings over two decades of experience coaching in both the college and NFL ranks, including a standout tenure as offensive coordinator at a top-tier program. Smith is renowned for his innovative offensive schemes, blending a potent rushing attack with an up-tempo, pass-heavy game plan. His ability to tailor offenses to the strengths of his quarterbacks and skill players has made him one of the most highly sought-after coordinators in the country.
Smith’s hiring marks a new era for the Longhorns’ offense, which has seen flashes of brilliance but often struggled with consistency. Longhorn fans are hopeful that Smith will unlock the full potential of star quarterback Quinn Ewers and other key playmakers on offense, such as running back Bijan Robinson (depending on his eligibility) and a talented receiving corps.
Smith’s focus will be on developing a balanced, high-powered offense that can compete at the highest level and take full advantage of Texas’ elite recruiting pipeline. Known for his work with young quarterbacks, Smith’s leadership is expected to elevate the Longhorns’ offensive unit into one of the most dynamic in college football.
2. Defensive Coordinator – Marcus Edwards
Another major hire for the Longhorns comes on the defensive side of the ball with the hiring of Marcus Edwards as Defensive Coordinator. Edwards, 40, comes to Texas after a highly successful stint at a prominent SEC program, where his defenses were consistently ranked among the nation’s best in terms of total defense, scoring defense, and turnover margin. Edwards has a reputation for building aggressive, high-pressure defenses that excel in both pass rush and secondary play.
His defensive schemes emphasize versatility, adaptability, and the ability to make adjustments based on the opponent’s offensive strengths and weaknesses. Edwards is known for developing NFL-caliber talent and creating game plans that neutralize the opposition’s best offensive weapons. With Texas’ strong roster, particularly in the front seven, Edwards is expected to bring a level of toughness and discipline that has been missing from the Longhorns’ defense in recent years.
Edwards’ hiring signals a commitment to returning the Texas defense to its former glory, where the program was known for having one of the most physically imposing defensive units in college football. His ability to work with young talent and develop future NFL prospects will be a key factor in Texas’ ability to compete at the highest level.
Promotions Within the Program
Along with the new hires, the Longhorns also announced several internal promotions to bolster the overall strength of the coaching staff.
1. Special Teams Coordinator – Brian Jones (Promoted)
Brian Jones has been promoted to the position of Special Teams Coordinator after several years of serving as an assistant coach working closely with the special teams unit. Under his guidance, the Longhorns have shown significant improvements in kick coverage, field goal accuracy, and return game performance. Jones is credited with developing standout players in the special teams unit and bringing an increased level of discipline and consistency to the position.
With his promotion, Jones will now take full responsibility for all aspects of the Longhorns’ special teams, continuing his focus on player development and unit cohesion. His ability to make strategic in-game adjustments and motivate his players has already gained the respect of his peers within the program, and he will be a crucial part of Texas’ overall game-planning in 2025.
2. Offensive Line Coach – Tanya Williams (Promoted)
In a groundbreaking move, Tanya Williams has been promoted to the position of Offensive Line Coach. Williams, a former All-American offensive lineman at Texas, had been serving as a graduate assistant for the past several years, where she worked under the tutelage of former Offensive Line Coach Bill Bedenbaugh. Williams was lauded for her keen eye for talent, her ability to develop offensive linemen, and her progressive approach to offensive line play.
Williams’ promotion makes her one of the few women in college football to hold such a prestigious role on a Power Five staff. Her appointment is not only historic but a testament to her skill set, leadership, and vision for the future of Texas’ offensive line. She inherits a talented group of linemen who have the potential to dominate at the collegiate level. With Williams at the helm, Longhorn fans expect to see more physicality and technical prowess along the front lines.
3. Quarterbacks Coach – Kevin Thompson (Promoted)
Kevin Thompson has been promoted to the position of Quarterbacks Coach, following his success as an offensive assistant working with the quarterbacks over the past few seasons. Thompson’s expertise in developing young quarterbacks and building a strong relationship with the signal-callers has earned him this promotion. Thompson worked closely with Quinn Ewers and other quarterbacks in the program, providing individualized attention that helped refine their mechanics and decision-making.
Thompson’s promotion is designed to ensure the continued development of Texas’ young quarterback talent. His emphasis on building confidence, improving fundamentals, and understanding defensive schemes will be key as Ewers and his fellow quarterbacks are tasked with leading the Longhorns into the 2025 season.
A Unified Vision for Texas Football
The leadership changes, hiring of new coaches, and internal promotions are part of a larger, unified vision for the future of Texas football under head coach Steve Sarkisian. Sarkisian, who enters his fourth season at the helm, expressed his excitement about the new additions and the promotions of internal staff.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the direction we are heading in,” Sarkisian said. “The hires we’ve made are the best of the best in their respective fields. John, Marcus, Brian, Tanya, and Kevin bring not only a wealth of experience but also a passion for developing young men into great players and leaders. Together, we are focused on returning Texas to national prominence.”
Sarkisian also emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration within the program. “Football is a team sport, and that goes beyond just the players. Our coaching staff is a group of highly talented individuals who share a common goal of developing a championship-caliber program. I’m confident that the changes we’ve made will be the catalyst for our success moving forward.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
With the new coaching hires and promotions in place, the Longhorns are set to enter the 2025 season with renewed energy and confidence. The Longhorns are poised to be a serious contender in both the Big 12 Conference and on the national stage. With an influx of talent in both the recruiting class and the coaching staff, Texas is aiming for not just a return to prominence but for a national championship.
The 2025 season will feature some of the most highly anticipated matchups in recent memory, with Texas hosting several top-ranked opponents at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. The energy and excitement surrounding the program have never been higher, and the Longhorns are ready to take the next step toward greatness.
Fans across Texas are already gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable season. With new leadership at the top and a team full of talent, the Longhorns’ future looks brighter than ever. The 2025 coaching hires and promotions signal that Texas is once again primed to be a force in college football, and the journey to returning to glory begins now.