Steve Sarkisian Pleased With New Additions to Texas Longhorns Staff

Steve Sarkisian’s tenure as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns has been marked by a steady, yet deliberate, rebuilding process. After taking over in 2021, Sarkisian inherited a program in need of revival, both in terms of performance on the field and in recruiting. Over the past few years, Texas has steadily improved, but as the team enters the 2024 season, it’s clear that Sarkisian believes that the new additions to his coaching staff could take the Longhorns to the next level.

The coaching staff is a critical piece to any successful football program, and Sarkisian has shown an eagerness to surround himself with talented and experienced individuals. With a mix of young coaches and seasoned veterans, these additions represent a strategy to not only improve performance on the field but also enhance player development, recruiting efforts, and ultimately help the Longhorns achieve sustained success.

In this article, we will explore the significance of the new coaching hires for Texas under Sarkisian’s leadership, how these moves contribute to the overall development of the team, and the potential impact they could have on the program’s future.

Sarkisian’s Approach to Staff Building

Steve Sarkisian has often been vocal about the importance of having the right coaches around him. He recognizes that he can’t win games alone, and building a strong support system in terms of assistants is essential to the team’s success. Over the past few years, he has worked on assembling a coaching staff that shares his vision, is aligned with his philosophy, and has the skillset to execute his vision.

Sarkisian’s offensive background as a former quarterback and offensive coordinator means that he places a premium on hiring assistant coaches who can bring fresh ideas, innovative strategies, and strong teaching methods to the table. While Sarkisian is known for his offensive prowess, he understands that successful programs require a well-rounded staff that focuses on both sides of the ball, player development, and special teams.

One of Sarkisian’s early challenges was restructuring the Texas football program after the departure of former head coach Tom Herman. As he entered the job, Sarkisian had the daunting task of reshaping the team’s culture and finding the right personnel to support him in that effort.

Key New Additions to Texas’ Staff

Sarkisian has made several notable coaching hires, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, but his efforts to upgrade both the offensive and defensive staff have been significant. Some of the most talked-about new additions include the hiring of talented position coaches and coordinators who bring extensive experience in their respective roles.

1. Brandon Jones – Offensive Line Coach

A major focus for Sarkisian in building a successful program was upgrading the offensive line. The Longhorns’ offensive line had shown improvement under previous coaching staffs but still had room for growth. Enter Brandon Jones, who comes to Texas with a reputation for developing physical, dominant offensive lines.

Jones’ previous experience as a position coach at notable programs has made him one of the top offensive line coaches in the country. Known for his ability to mold raw talent and coach up veterans, Jones will play a crucial role in ensuring that the Longhorns’ offensive line can protect their quarterback and create lanes for the running game.

Sarkisian’s emphasis on offensive balance — a combination of passing and running — requires an offensive line that can control the line of scrimmage. With Jones’ pedigree and approach, Sarkisian’s offense should be more efficient in both the running game and the passing game.

2. Tashard Choice – Running Backs Coach

Tashard Choice, a former NFL running back, was hired as Texas’ running backs coach. His background as both a player and a coach in high-level programs brings valuable insight into player development. Choice’s ability to relate to his players, having played at the highest level, gives him credibility and makes him an invaluable asset for running back development.

One of Choice’s key roles will be to work closely with Texas’ stable of talented running backs, including emerging stars who have shown promise but need development to reach their potential. Texas has been home to some of the best running backs in college football history, and Choice’s experience gives him the tools to help Texas return to that tradition.

Sarkisian has always utilized a committee of running backs to keep fresh legs on the field, so it’s critical for Choice to develop multiple players. The running back group will be essential in making Texas’ offense more unpredictable and dynamic.

3. Pete Kwiatkowski – Defensive Coordinator

Sarkisian’s hire of Pete Kwiatkowski as defensive coordinator was a strategic move to bolster the Longhorns’ defense. Kwiatkowski, who has experience as a defensive coordinator at Washington, brings a proven track record of developing top-tier defenses. Under Kwiatkowski, Washington’s defense consistently ranked among the best in the Pac-12, and Sarkisian believes that Kwiatkowski can replicate that success at Texas.

Kwiatkowski’s defense is known for being aggressive and versatile. With Texas’ talent on defense, including several standout players in the front seven, Kwiatkowski will look to implement a scheme that maximizes the team’s strengths while also improving overall consistency. His hiring was especially important in addressing Texas’ defensive struggles in recent years, particularly in areas like pass coverage and stopping the run.

Kwiatkowski’s ability to coach both the defensive line and linebackers will be pivotal, as the Longhorns have several key defensive players who need guidance and development in order to become dominant forces in the Big 12 and nationally.

4. Jeff Banks – Special Teams Coordinator

Special teams often get overlooked in discussions about college football, but Jeff Banks’ addition as the special teams coordinator brings a renewed focus on one of the most important facets of the game. Special teams have a huge impact on field position, scoring opportunities, and momentum shifts, and Sarkisian knows that a strong special teams unit can make a huge difference.

Banks is known for his ability to coach and develop special teams units that excel in both kicking and coverage. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in areas like punt return, kickoff coverage, and field goal protection. With a solid special teams foundation, Texas will have a competitive advantage in close games where every play matters.

5. Bo Davis – Defensive Line Coach

Another key addition to the Texas coaching staff is Bo Davis, who returns to the program as the defensive line coach. Davis’ first stint at Texas was as an assistant coach in the early 2000s, and he has since developed a reputation as one of the top defensive line coaches in the country. His experience coaching in the NFL, particularly with the Detroit Lions, gives him the credibility needed to coach the defensive front at a high level.

Texas has a wealth of talent on the defensive line, and Davis’ ability to develop these players into game-changers will be crucial to the defense’s overall success. With Davis leading the charge, the Longhorns will be able to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which is vital for creating turnovers and disrupting offensive flow.

Why Sarkisian is Pleased With His Coaching Additions

Sarkisian’s satisfaction with his new coaching hires stems from several key factors:

1. Experience and Proven Success

Each new hire brings significant experience to the table, both as coaches and as former players. Sarkisian values individuals who have not only succeeded in previous positions but also have the ability to help players reach their full potential. His staff’s collective knowledge and success in past roles make them equipped to handle the pressures of coaching at a program like Texas.

2. Alignment With Sarkisian’s Vision

Sarkisian’s vision for Texas is clear: to build a program that is balanced on both sides of the ball, focuses on player development, and ultimately competes for championships. The new additions to the staff share this vision, and their understanding of the culture Sarkisian is trying to build in Austin helps create a cohesive atmosphere. Each coach brings a unique set of skills that complement the overall program.

3. Ability to Recruit

While coaching on the field is critical, recruiting is equally as important for long-term success. Sarkisian has emphasized the importance of bringing in top-tier talent to Texas, and the additions to his staff will help in this area. Coaches like Tashard Choice and Pete Kwiatkowski bring with them established recruiting ties and relationships that will help Texas in landing high-level talent.

4. Development of Key Players

Sarkisian’s ability to develop players is one of his greatest strengths, but he also understands that it takes a collective effort from his coaching staff to achieve this. The new hires represent a strong commitment to player development, with an emphasis on enhancing both physical and mental aspects of the game. Coaches like Brandon Jones and Jeff Banks will play a major role in ensuring the development of key players at their respective positions.