Boom! Will Muschamp Returns to Texas as Defensive Coordinator

AUSTIN, Texas — "Coach Boom" is back on the Forty Acres.

Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian announced Friday that Will Muschamp has been hired as the Longhorns' new Defensive Coordinator. Muschamp replaces Pete Kwiatkowski, who was relieved of his duties on December 18.

This marks Muschamp's second stint in Austin. He previously served as Mack Brown’s Defensive Coordinator and Head Coach-in-Waiting from 2008 to 2010, presiding over some of the most dominant defenses in program history.

Expected Impact

Muschamp arrives from Georgia, where he served as Co-Defensive Coordinator under Kirby Smart, helping the Bulldogs win back-to-back National Championships.

"Will is a guy I've known for a long time, always admired and is as good of a defensive mind and coach as I've ever coached against," Sarkisian said in a statement. "He brings a level of intensity and passion to the way he coaches that I think is going to be good for our team."

Muschamp’s defenses are known for their physical, aggressive style—a trait Texas has sought to re-establish consistently in the SEC.

Citrus Bowl Transition

While Muschamp begins his transition immediately, he will not coach the defense in the upcoming Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Michigan on December 31.

Linebackers coach Johnny Nansen has been elevated to interim defensive play-caller for the bowl game. Sarkisian confirmed that Muschamp will focus on evaluation and recruiting until officially taking the reins in January 2026.

Reaction

The hiring has been met with widespread approval from the fanbase and former players.

"He brings that fire," said former Longhorn Earl Thomas on social media. "Texas Defense is about to be scary again."

With the No. 1 recruiting class already signed, Muschamp inherits a roster loaded with talent, including All-SEC playmakers like Anthony Hill Jr. (if he returns) and freshman standout Colin Simmons.