In a move that has already sent shockwaves through the college football world, Texas Longhorns legend Vince Young is making his long-awaited return to the program—not as a player this time, but as an associate coach. The University of Texas officially announced today that Young, one of the most iconic figures in the history of the sport, will join head coach Steve Sarkisian’s staff for the upcoming 2025 season. For a fanbase that still reveres his name with near-religious devotion, the news is nothing short of monumental.
Vince Young’s return is more than just a personnel change. It’s a symbolic restoration of one of the program’s proudest eras, a bridge between Texas’ glorious past and its ever-hopeful future. The former Rose Bowl hero and national champion is stepping into a leadership role that will see him work closely with quarterbacks and offensive skill players, bringing his wealth of experience, passion, and competitive fire to the locker room and the field.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to return to the place that changed my life,” Young said in a statement released by the university. “Texas football means everything to me. I’ve walked in these players’ shoes, I know what it’s like to carry the expectations of an entire state, and I’m here to help these young men grow as athletes and as people. I can’t wait to get started.”
Young’s legendary status was cemented on January 4, 2006, when he delivered one of the greatest performances in college football history. Leading the Longhorns to a 41-38 victory over the USC Trojans in the BCS National Championship Game, Young passed for 267 yards, rushed for 200 more, and scored the game-winning touchdown on fourth-and-five with just 19 seconds left. That single play remains etched in the memory of fans everywhere, defining not just a game, but an era.
But Young’s story didn’t end there. After being selected third overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2006 NFL Draft and earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, his professional career had its ups and downs. Despite flashes of brilliance, including two Pro Bowl selections, Young never quite found the same consistency in the NFL that he had in college. Yet his impact off the field, particularly in mentoring young athletes and advocating for educational and personal development, has only grown over time.
In recent years, Young has remained a visible and active figure in the Longhorns community. From charitable endeavors and alumni events to working in various ambassadorial roles for the university, his connection to Texas never faded. Still, today’s announcement marks a significant escalation of that relationship. Now, instead of standing on the sidelines as a former great, he’ll be in the huddle, in the locker room, and on the recruiting trail, helping to shape the next generation of Longhorns.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed nothing but enthusiasm over the hire. “Bringing Vince on board is a massive win for our program,” Sarkisian said. “He’s a born leader, a winner, and someone who understands what it means to wear the burnt orange and white. Our players will learn so much from him, both on and off the field. This is about building a culture of excellence, and Vince embodies that.”
Young’s role as associate coach will not be merely ceremonial. According to sources within the program, he will be integrally involved in developing quarterback play, advising on offensive strategy, and mentoring student-athletes in navigating the pressures of college athletics. His input is expected to be particularly influential with rising sophomore quarterback Arch Manning, who has already drawn comparisons to past Texas greats.
There’s a certain poetry in the timing of Young’s return. As Texas transitions into a new chapter, including its move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the program faces renewed pressure to compete at the highest level. The Longhorns are no longer just trying to return to national relevance—they’re trying to reclaim a place among the elite, and bringing back someone who once led them to the mountaintop could be the spark that fuels that climb.