Texas Longhorns DC Pete Kwiatkowski Falls Short of Winning Broyles Award
As one of the most prestigious honors for assistant coaches in college football, the Broyles Award recognizes the top assistant coach in the nation. This year, Pete Kwiatkowski, the defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns, was a finalist for the prestigious award but ultimately fell short. Although Kwiatkowski did not win, his inclusion as a finalist is a testament to the remarkable turnaround he has overseen in the Texas defense and the significant impact he has had on the Longhorns’ rise back into national relevance.
Kwiatkowski, who has built a reputation as one of the top defensive minds in college football, has played an instrumental role in transforming the Longhorns’ defense into one of the most formidable units in the country. Under his leadership, Texas has seen dramatic improvements in various key defensive categories, and the program’s overall success has been partially due to the defense’s ability to perform at a high level.
While Kwiatkowski’s efforts may not have earned him the Broyles Award this year, his contributions to Texas football have been undeniable. In this article, we’ll examine Kwiatkowski’s impact on the Longhorns, his rise to prominence as a defensive coordinator, and what the future holds for both him and Texas football.
The Rise of Pete Kwiatkowski
Pete Kwiatkowski’s path to becoming one of the most respected defensive coordinators in college football has been marked by years of experience and a series of high-profile stops that have shaped his coaching philosophy. Over the past two decades, Kwiatkowski has built a reputation for developing strong, aggressive defenses that emphasize discipline, toughness, and an ability to adapt to the ever-changing nature of modern college football offenses.
Early Career and Development
Kwiatkowski began his coaching career in 1998 at the University of Washington, where he served as the linebackers coach. Over time, he became the defensive coordinator at Boise State, where his defenses gained a reputation for being among the best in the country. The Broncos’ success during his tenure in Boise helped propel Kwiatkowski into the national spotlight.
In 2019, Kwiatkowski made the move to Texas under head coach Steve Sarkisian, becoming the Longhorns’ defensive coordinator. He inherited a Texas defense that had shown flashes of potential but had often been inconsistent. Kwiatkowski’s appointment came with high expectations, as the program was looking to elevate its defense to match its powerful offense and return to national prominence.
Kwiatkowski’s Impact on the Texas Defense
In his first few years at Texas, Kwiatkowski has had a profound impact on the Longhorns’ defense. His ability to shape the defensive identity of the team, as well as his strategic adjustments, has helped the Longhorns become one of the most difficult teams to score against in college football.
A Defensive Transformation
When Kwiatkowski arrived in Austin, Texas was coming off a series of underwhelming seasons on the defensive side of the ball. The Longhorns had struggled to stop the run, generate consistent pressure on the quarterback, and limit big plays. Kwiatkowski immediately set about making changes to the defense’s structure and philosophy, and it didn’t take long for the results to show.
In his first season, the Longhorns’ defense made significant strides in improving key areas, including run defense, pass rush, and red-zone efficiency. Texas’ defensive line became a more formidable force under Kwiatkowski’s guidance, as he implemented a system that emphasized aggressive pass-rush techniques, effective gap control, and disciplined pursuit of the football.
Kwiatkowski’s defensive units have been known for their ability to confuse opposing quarterbacks and create turnovers. He has consistently been able to devise schemes that keep offenses off balance and force them into mistakes, while also teaching his players how to stay disciplined within the framework of the defense. In 2024, Texas ranked among the nation’s top defenses in several key categories, including total defense and points allowed per game, which helped the team compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The Strength of the Defensive Line and Secondary
Kwiatkowski’s defensive schemes have also allowed Texas’ defensive line to flourish. In 2024, the Longhorns were one of the most disruptive teams in the country in terms of sacking the quarterback and pressuring opposing offenses. The front seven, which includes star players like T’Vondre Sweat and Alfred Collins, has become a major strength for the Longhorns, and Kwiatkowski’s ability to rotate players and keep them fresh has allowed Texas to stay aggressive throughout the game.
Equally important has been Kwiatkowski’s work with the secondary. Texas has produced a number of standout defensive backs in recent years, including All-Big 12 performers such as Jalen Catalon and Jahdae Barron. Kwiatkowski’s emphasis on communication, coverage schemes, and ball awareness has allowed the Longhorns’ secondary to excel. The defense has become adept at shutting down passing lanes, creating turnovers, and preventing big plays.
Creating a Physical and Disciplined Defense
One of the hallmarks of Kwiatkowski’s defensive philosophy is his emphasis on physicality. Under his guidance, Texas has become known for its tough, hard-hitting style of play. This physicality has been evident in the Longhorns’ ability to stop the run, punish ball carriers, and defend the line of scrimmage. Kwiatkowski’s focus on discipline and assignment soundness has made the defense not only more physically dominant but also more mentally sharp.
In 2024, Texas ranked near the top of the Big 12 in run defense, showing significant improvements in containing opposing ground games. Kwiatkowski’s defensive front, led by standout players like T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II, has proven adept at clogging running lanes, forcing offenses into passing