Texas Longhorns To Hire Running Backs Coach Ra’Shaad Samples From Oregon Ducks
In what could be one of the most exciting coaching moves for the Texas Longhorns football program this offseason, reports have surfaced that the school is set to hire Ra’Shaad Samples as its new running backs coach. Samples, who is currently with the Oregon Ducks as their assistant head coach and running backs coach, will bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to Austin. This move is seen as a critical step for head coach Steve Sarkisian, who continues to build a powerhouse team capable of competing for national championships.
The hire of Samples signals a number of things for Texas. First, it demonstrates the Longhorns’ commitment to developing their running back room, which has long been one of the program’s most vital positions. Second, it underscores the continued trend of Texas building a staff full of dynamic, experienced coaches who can recruit at the highest level and help elevate the program to new heights.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Ra’Shaad Samples’ coaching journey, his impact at Oregon, and what his arrival means for Texas football.
Ra’Shaad Samples’ Coaching Background
Ra’Shaad Samples is a name that has been making waves in the college football coaching world for several years. His career in coaching started shortly after his playing days, and he has steadily ascended through the ranks with each move. The 2025 season marks an important chapter for Samples, as he looks to return to Texas, where his coaching journey began in earnest.
Early Career and Development
Ra’Shaad Samples began his coaching career as an offensive assistant at the University of Houston in 2016 and 2017. During this time, he was part of a dynamic offensive staff under head coach Major Applewhite. This was where Samples first started to develop his coaching identity and sharpen his skills in player development, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
In 2018, Samples made the move to Texas, where he would further hone his skills as an offensive assistant. At Texas, Samples also took on the role of on-campus recruiting coordinator, a position that would showcase his ability to connect with recruits and make a significant impact on Texas’ recruiting efforts. This experience was instrumental in his coaching development, allowing him to blend his skills in player development and recruiting, which would become a hallmark of his career.
Move to SMU and TCU
In 2019, Samples joined the staff at Southern Methodist University (SMU) as an offensive assistant with an emphasis on recruiting. His ability to connect with recruits and make an immediate impact on the program’s talent acquisition strategies quickly earned him a promotion to running backs coach. Over the next couple of years, Samples worked diligently to develop one of the most dynamic running back rooms in the country. His success at SMU set the stage for what would come next in his career.
Samples’ next big move came in 2021 when he was hired as the assistant head coach and running backs coach at Texas Christian University (TCU). This role allowed him to take on more responsibility and further refine his coaching acumen. At TCU, Samples built a reputation as one of the most respected young coaches in college football. His work with the running back group helped elevate TCU’s offense, and he was instrumental in preparing his players for the next level.
NFL Experience and Oregon Opportunity
Samples’ ascent continued when he took a brief detour to the NFL. In 2022, he joined the Los Angeles Rams as the running backs coach, making him one of the youngest position coaches in NFL history. This was an incredible opportunity for Samples to learn from some of the best coaches in the game and further develop his knowledge of coaching at the highest level. However, his passion for college football eventually led him back to the college ranks.
In 2023, Samples returned to the college game and took on the role of wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator at Arizona State University. His time at Arizona State helped him develop a more well-rounded understanding of the offensive side of the game, and his success in that role helped solidify his reputation as one of the brightest young coaches in the country.
Samples’ time with Oregon began in 2024 when he was hired as the assistant head coach and running backs coach. This position placed him at the forefront of Oregon’s recruiting efforts and the development of one of the top running back groups in the Pac-12. During his brief time at Oregon, Samples quickly became a key figure on the staff, further refining his skills as a coach and leader.
What Ra’Shaad Samples Brings to Texas
Expertise in Developing Running Backs
At the core of Samples’ skill set is his ability to develop running backs. He has a track record of coaching running backs who have excelled both at the college level and in the NFL. During his time at SMU and TCU, he helped develop players who went on to have success in the NFL. His work with Oregon’s running backs, including standout players who became household names, further solidified his reputation as one of the best in the business.
Texas’ running backs will benefit from Samples’ expertise in coaching fundamentals, footwork, vision, and ball security. He is known for being a hands-on coach who takes pride in developing each player individually and tailoring his approach to each running back’s specific strengths and weaknesses. This personalized approach will undoubtedly help the Longhorns’ running backs reach their full potential.
Elite Recruiting Prowess
Another crucial component of Samples’ coaching success is his ability to recruit. Throughout his career, he has been an outstanding recruiter, known for his ability to connect with players and families while selling the vision of a program. This has been one of his strongest assets, and his return to Texas could significantly bolster the Longhorns’ recruiting efforts.
Texas has always been one of the top recruiting schools in the country, but Samples’ arrival adds another layer of expertise to an already impressive recruiting staff. His ability to land top-tier running backs from Texas and beyond will be a key part of the Longhorns’ future success, both on the field and in terms of building depth at the running back position.
Texas’ Strong Tradition at Running Back
One of the most exciting aspects of Samples’ hire is his connection to Texas’ rich history at the running back position. The Longhorns have a storied tradition of producing NFL-caliber running backs, from Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams to more recent stars like Bijan Robinson and Roshon Johnson. Texas has always prided itself on having one of the most potent rushing attacks in college football, and Samples will look to continue that tradition.
Samples’ deep understanding of Texas football and his familiarity with the recruiting landscape in the state will help him tap into the vast talent pool in Texas. With so many talented running backs in the state, Samples’ hiring will ensure that Texas remains a dominant force in recruiting at the position and continues to develop some of the nation’s top running backs.
How This Move Impacts Texas Football
Reaffirming Sarkisian’s Vision
Steve Sarkisian’s decision to hire Ra’Shaad Samples is part of a broader effort to build a championship-caliber program at Texas. Sarkisian has made it clear that he wants to recruit and develop elite talent at every position, and Samples’ arrival is a key piece of this puzzle. By bringing in a coach with Samples’ pedigree and ability to develop running backs, Sarkisian is reinforcing the importance of the position to Texas’ overall success.
Texas has shown promise under Sarkisian’s leadership, and the addition of Samples will help elevate the program to the next level. With the Longhorns looking to compete for the Big 12 title and make a deep run in the College Football Playoff, Samples’ experience and recruiting prowess will be crucial in helping Texas reach those goals.
Strengthening the Running Back Room
The Longhorns’ running back room has been an area of strength for the program, but it will benefit greatly from Samples’ tutelage. Texas has several talented running backs on the roster, and Samples will be able to help them refine their skills and improve their overall game. Whether it’s breaking tackles, finding the right holes, or becoming more consistent as pass catchers, Samples’ guidance will be invaluable to the current group of running backs.
Additionally, Samples’ ability to recruit top-tier talent will ensure that Texas has a constant pipeline of future running backs who can step in and make an immediate impact. The program will continue to benefit from having a deep and talented running back corps that can complement the team’s high-powered offense.
Recruiting Boost for Texas
Samples’ experience as a recruiter, particularly in Texas, will be one of the most valuable assets he brings to the Longhorns. Texas is in a prime position to attract some of the best running back talent in the country, and with Samples at the helm, the Longhorns will be well-positioned to land top recruits. His reputation as a dynamic recruiter who can connect with players and families will give Texas an edge in the highly competitive world of college football recruiting.
As Sarkisian continues to build a strong foundation for Texas football, having someone with Samples’ recruiting pedigree will be critical in maintaining the program’s competitiveness on the national stage. The Longhorns are already a recruiting powerhouse, but Samples’ ability to bring in elite talent will help them sustain that status for years to come.