In a decisive move that reshaped the Longhorns’ defensive leadership, Texas announced on Thursday that defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski would not return for the 2025 season, and named former head coach Will Muschamp as his successor.
The announcement followed a review of the program’s defensive performance over the past five seasons, during which Kwiatkowski had been responsible for coordinating the team’s defensive schemes.
Kwiatkowski arrived at Texas alongside head coach Steve Sarkisian in 2021, bringing experience from his previous roles at other programs.
Alongside the coordinator’s departure, the Longhorns also let go of defensive passing game coordinator Duane Akina, who had returned to the program last season after a 13-year stint from 2001 to 2013.
Will Muschamp, who served as the Longhorns’ defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2010, will take over the position, bringing a familiar face back to the Texas coaching staff.
“We appreciate all that Pete Kwiatkowski has done for the program in his five years coordinating our defense and are grateful for Duane Akina’s efforts in returning to the program this past year,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said in a university press release.
“But at this time, we just felt it was best for our program to move in a different direction, and having the opportunity to hire Will Muschamp provides us the leadership to take our defense to another level. Will is a guy I’ve known for a long time, always admired, and is as good a defensive mind and coach as I’ve ever coached against,” Sarkisian added.
Muschamp expressed enthusiasm about returning to Austin, noting the positive experience he and his family had during their previous tenure with the program.
“We loved our time in Austin and truly enjoyed everything about working with Texas Football. We’re thrilled to be coming back to a program with one of the richest and proudest histories and traditions in college football,” Muschamp said.
“I have tremendous respect and admiration for Sark, how he leads his program, develops his team and players, builds culture and goes about his business,” he continued.
Since joining Georgia in 2021, Muschamp has held multiple roles, most recently serving as a defensive analyst in 2024.
He began his tenure at Georgia as the special teams coordinator and was promoted to co-defensive coordinator in 2022, contributing to the Bulldogs’ defensive strategies.
Muschamp’s coaching résumé also includes a head-coach position at Florida, which he accepted in 2011, and a year as defensive coordinator at Auburn following Florida’s 2014 season.
After Auburn, he accepted a head-coach role at South Carolina, where he led the Gamecocks from 2016 to 2020.
The Longhorns’ decision to bring Muschamp back follows the program’s desire to restore a defensive identity that had been in flux during the past seasons.
Sarkisian emphasized that Muschamp’s defensive philosophy aligns with the program’s long-term goals, promising a renewed focus on discipline and aggressive playmaking.
In the coming weeks, Muschamp will assemble his staff, review player personnel, and begin implementing new defensive schemes ahead of the 2025 season.
Fans and alumni have reacted positively to the announcement, citing Muschamp’s proven track record and familiarity with Texas culture as key factors in the decision.
Historically, the Longhorns have benefited from coaching changes that reinvigorated the program, and the current shift is expected to continue that tradition.
With Muschamp’s return, the Texas defense looks forward to a fresh approach that blends experience with renewed energy, setting the stage for a competitive season ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Pete Kwiatkowski will not return as Texas defensive coordinator after five seasons.
- Duane Akina, defensive passing game coordinator, was also dismissed following his single season back with the program.
- Will Muschamp, former Longhorns defensive coordinator, is hired to lead the defense for the 2025 season.
- Muschamp’s return brings experience from Georgia, Florida, Auburn, and South Carolina.
- The Longhorns aim to rebuild defensive identity under Muschamp’s leadership.
The announcement signals a new chapter for Texas football, with expectations of a stronger, more disciplined defense in the coming season.
