Coach Sark Announces New Hires and Promotions within Staff
In a move that underscores his commitment to building a championship-caliber program, Coach Steve Sarkisian has announced several key hires and promotions within the University of Texas football coaching staff. The changes come as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the Longhorns’ roster and coaching infrastructure, aiming for greater success on the field and in recruiting as the team enters a crucial phase of the college football season.
These changes, which include new hires, promotions, and a reshuffling of existing coaching roles, highlight the dynamic nature of Sarkisian’s leadership. As the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, Sarkisian has a proven track record of revitalizing programs, and these changes reflect his focus on developing talent, enhancing team chemistry, and positioning Texas for future dominance in college football.
Building a Strong Coaching Foundation
Since taking the helm of the Texas Longhorns in January 2021, Sarkisian has made it clear that he intends to build a competitive program that not only excels on the field but also fosters strong relationships within the coaching staff. One of the hallmarks of successful teams is having a cohesive coaching unit that can develop players both individually and as a unit. Sarkisian’s latest round of hires and promotions reflects a strategic vision to strengthen the program in every aspect of football operations, from on-the-field coaching to player development, recruiting, and beyond.
“I am excited about the direction our program is headed with these new additions and promotions to the staff,” said Coach Sarkisian. “We are building something special at Texas, and these hires will help us continue to grow, improve, and compete at the highest level of college football. We’ve got the right people in place, and I’m confident that they will help take our team to new heights.”
Let’s take a closer look at the individuals joining the staff and those receiving promotions within the program.
Key New Hires
One of the most exciting parts of Coach Sarkisian’s announcement was the addition of several experienced and respected coaches to the Longhorns’ staff. These new hires bring a wealth of experience, a winning mentality, and a deep understanding of the game.
1. Pete Kwiatkowski – Defensive Coordinator
Coach Sarkisian has made a significant move by hiring Pete Kwiatkowski as the Longhorns’ new defensive coordinator. Kwiatkowski comes to Texas after a highly successful tenure as the defensive coordinator at Washington, where he helped lead the Huskies to consistent top-tier defenses in the Pac-12. Under Kwiatkowski’s guidance, Washington’s defense was regularly among the best in the country, and his expertise in developing tough, aggressive defensive units is expected to have a profound impact on Texas’ defense.
Kwiatkowski brings a 30-year coaching career to the Longhorns, including stops at Boise State, where he helped elevate the Broncos’ defense into one of the most formidable units in the country. His ability to adapt and innovate defensive schemes, along with his emphasis on player development, will be crucial in addressing some of the defensive struggles that Texas has faced in recent years.
“We are thrilled to have Pete Kwiatkowski join our staff,” said Sarkisian. “He is one of the most respected defensive minds in college football, and his track record speaks for itself. He is a perfect fit for our program, and I am excited to see the impact he will have on our defense.”
2. Tashard Choice – Running Backs Coach
Tashard Choice joins the Longhorns as the new running backs coach, bringing a wealth of experience both as a player and as a coach. Choice was a standout running back during his playing days at Georgia Tech and went on to have a brief NFL career before transitioning into coaching. He has since coached at several universities, including a recent stint at Georgia Southern, where he helped improve the Eagles’ ground game significantly.
Choice’s expertise in developing running backs will be vital for Texas, especially with the wealth of young talent at the position. His ability to teach running backs how to read defenses, improve ball security, and master the nuances of the position will be instrumental in the development of the Longhorns’ backfield.
“I’m excited to work with the talented group of running backs we have here at Texas,” said Choice. “There is a great tradition of running back success at this program, and I’m looking forward to helping these young men develop into the best they can be.”
3. Brennan Marion – Wide Receivers Coach
Brennan Marion has been brought on as the new wide receivers coach for Texas, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective on the wide receiver position. Marion has developed a reputation for being an innovative coach with a knack for developing dynamic playmakers on the outside. He spent the last few seasons at Howard University, where he turned their offense into one of the most explosive in the FCS, particularly by utilizing wide receivers in unique ways that stretched defenses vertically and horizontally.
Marion’s ability to connect with players and help them reach their full potential will be critical as the Longhorns continue to develop their wide receiver corps. His coaching philosophy emphasizes speed, agility, and precision, which fits well with the up-tempo, pass-heavy offense that Sarkisian aims to implement at Texas.
“Brennan is one of the brightest young minds in college football, and I’m excited to see what he can do with our wide receivers,” said Sarkisian. “He brings energy, passion, and a strong understanding of the position, and I know our players will respond well to his coaching.”
4. Bo Davis – Defensive Line Coach
Another important addition to the staff is Bo Davis, who has been named the new defensive line coach for the Longhorns. Davis returns to Texas after previously serving as an assistant coach for the program from 2011 to 2013. Since then, he has gained valuable experience coaching defensive lines at several prominent programs, including Alabama and LSU. His expertise in developing elite defensive linemen will be crucial for Texas, as the defensive front is one of the most important areas that need improvement.
Under Davis, the Longhorns’ defensive line is expected to take a big step forward. Davis has a reputation for producing NFL-caliber players, and his ability to teach technique, develop strength, and create a relentless mindset will serve the Longhorns well as they look to dominate in the trenches.
“Bo Davis is an excellent coach with a proven track record of developing dominant defensive linemen,” said Sarkisian. “He has a wealth of experience coaching at the highest level, and I’m confident he will help elevate our defensive line play to new heights.”
Promotions within the Staff
Along with the new hires, Coach Sarkisian also announced several key promotions within the staff. These promotions are a recognition of the hard work and dedication of the individuals involved, and they reflect Sarkisian’s belief in promoting from within when the opportunity arises.
1. Kyle Flood – Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach
Kyle Flood has been promoted to offensive coordinator in addition to his role as the offensive line coach. Flood has done a tremendous job developing the offensive line during his time at Texas, and this promotion reflects his increasing responsibility within the program. His deep understanding of the game and his ability to build strong, cohesive units up front have been key factors in the Longhorns’ offensive success.
As the offensive coordinator, Flood will be responsible for coordinating the offensive strategy, game planning, and overall offensive execution. His promotion also signals a shift toward consistency and continuity within the coaching staff, ensuring that the offensive line and overall offensive strategy work in tandem.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to take on this additional responsibility,” said Flood. “Our goal is to continue to build an offense that is dynamic, balanced, and able to compete with the best teams in the country.”
2. Jeff Banks – Special Teams Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach
Jeff Banks has been promoted to special teams coordinator while also continuing his role as the tight ends coach. Banks has proven to be an invaluable asset to the program, with a reputation for being one of the top special teams coaches in college football. His attention to detail and emphasis on maximizing the potential of every player on the roster will be crucial as Texas looks to continue building a comprehensive and competitive football team.
“I’m grateful for the trust Coach Sarkisian has placed in me,” said Banks. “Special teams is a critical phase of the game, and I look forward to continuing to develop the talent we have at Texas.”
These new hires and promotions represent a bold step forward for the Texas Longhorns under the leadership of Coach Steve Sarkisian. With a mix of experienced coaches and rising stars, the program is poised for significant improvement as they look to compete for championships in the coming seasons. Sarkisian’s vision for Texas is clear – to build a program that excels not only on the field but also in player development, recruiting, and every other facet of the game.
The new additions and changes will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the success of the team, and with the Longhorns’ strong recruiting class and bright future, this could be the beginning of an exciting new era in Texas football. As Coach Sarkisian continues to shape the program, the Longhorns are poised to return to prominence in college football, and the coaching staff he has assembled will play a crucial role in that success. The road ahead is filled with promise, and fans of the Longhorns are eagerly anticipating what’s next for this team under its revamped coaching staff.