The Texas Longhorns and the Anticipated Appointment of a Seasoned Big 12 Coach to a New Position
Introduction: A New Era for the Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns, one of the most storied and high-profile programs in college sports, are on the verge of making a major change to their coaching staff. In a move that has the potential to reshape the future of the football program, the Longhorns are expected to appoint a seasoned Big 12 coach to a new position within their organization. This decision, which is likely to have far-reaching implications for both the program and the broader Big 12 Conference, marks the latest chapter in Texas’ pursuit of excellence.
The University of Texas has long been synonymous with success in college football. The program has a rich history, boasting multiple national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and a tradition of elite-level talent. However, in recent years, the Longhorns have faced challenges in recapturing their former glory. With the appointment of a seasoned Big 12 coach, Texas is signaling its commitment to restoring its place at the top of college football.
This article will explore the potential reasons behind the Texas Longhorns’ decision to hire a Big 12 coach, the coach’s likely impact on the program, and the broader implications for the Big 12 Conference and college football as a whole. 
The Current State of Texas Football: A Program in Transition
Texas football is a program at a crossroads. Despite a rich tradition of success, the Longhorns have struggled to consistently reach the heights of their past. Under previous head coach Tom Herman, Texas showed promise but was unable to achieve sustained success. Herman’s tenure, which spanned from 2017 to 2020, ended with mixed results. While the Longhorns occasionally flashed potential, they never quite lived up to expectations, and ultimately, Herman was dismissed after a lackluster 2020 season.
The subsequent hiring of Steve Sarkisian in 2021 was viewed as a promising step forward. Sarkisian, a former offensive coordinator with a track record of success at Alabama, was seen as someone capable of revitalizing the program. Yet, Sarkisian’s first two seasons have been marked by inconsistency, particularly on defense and special teams. While Texas has shown flashes of brilliance, it has also suffered disappointing losses that have kept the program from taking the next step.
As Texas continues to navigate this period of transition, the need for experienced leadership becomes more pressing. The appointment of a seasoned Big 12 coach could provide that leadership and help steer the program in the right direction.
Why a Big 12 Coach?
The decision to hire a coach with experience in the Big 12 is likely strategic. The Big 12 Conference, while not as high-profile as the SEC or ACC, remains an important force in college football. The Longhorns’ success within the conference is crucial to their broader goals, and having someone with intimate knowledge of the Big 12 landscape could be invaluable.
First, a Big 12 coach would bring a familiarity with the conference’s style of play, recruiting landscape, and in-state rivals. Texas has long been a dominant force within the Big 12, but recent years have seen other programs, such as Oklahoma and Baylor, rise to prominence. Having a coach who understands the nuances of the conference could help Texas gain a competitive edge in recruiting, game preparation, and in-game strategy.
Second, the Big 12 is undergoing a period of transition itself, with the impending departure of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC. The conference is expected to undergo significant changes as new teams join the fold, and having a coach who understands the intricacies of conference realignment and the shifting dynamics of college football could be an asset as Texas prepares for its own transition to the SEC.
Potential Candidates: Who Are the Leading Contenders?
There are several names being bandied about as potential candidates for this new position, each of whom brings a wealth of experience and success within the Big 12. While the exact nature of the role is still unclear, several coaches from the Big 12 are believed to be in the mix.
- Matt Campbell (Iowa State)
Matt Campbell has been a rising star in college football, particularly in the Big 12. As the head coach of Iowa State, Campbell has built a program that consistently competes at a high level. Despite working with limited resources compared to some of the larger programs in the conference, Campbell has led the Cyclones to multiple bowl games and has developed a reputation for his ability to develop talent and get the most out of his players. His ability to build a competitive team in Ames, Iowa, has earned him widespread respect, and he could bring a no-nonsense, disciplined approach to Texas. - Chris Klieman (Kansas State)
Another coach who has gained a lot of respect in the Big 12 is Chris Klieman, the head coach at Kansas State. Like Campbell, Klieman has consistently overachieved with a program that isn’t typically viewed as one of the conference’s blue-chip teams. Klieman’s teams are known for being tough, physical, and well-coached, which could be exactly what Texas needs as it looks to build a more disciplined and balanced squad. Klieman also has experience coaching in the Midwest, which could give him an edge in recruiting the talent-rich areas of Texas. - Neil Brown (West Virginia)
While Neil Brown has not had the same level of sustained success as Campbell or Klieman, he has demonstrated the ability to develop players and win games at a competitive level. His work at Troy was particularly impressive, and while his time at West Virginia has been a mixed bag, he’s shown flashes of what he’s capable of. Brown is a former Texas assistant and has strong recruiting ties in the state, which could give him an advantage when it comes to building relationships with high school coaches and landing top talent. - Dave Aranda (Baylor)
Dave Aranda, the head coach at Baylor, has been one of the most successful coaches in the Big 12 since taking over in 2020. After a difficult first season, Aranda led Baylor to a Big 12 Championship and a Sugar Bowl victory in just his second year. Aranda’s background as a defensive coordinator at LSU gives him a unique perspective on building a strong, disciplined football team, and his success at Baylor has shown that he can lead a program to greatness. While it’s uncertain whether Aranda would leave Baylor for Texas, his ability to compete at the highest levels of the Big 12 makes him a potential candidate for any major role at Texas.
Impact on the Texas Longhorns Program
If Texas were to hire a seasoned Big 12 coach, the impact on the program could be significant. First, such a hire would likely bring a renewed sense of stability and discipline to the team. Texas has been known for its talent over the years, but it has often struggled with inconsistency. A coach with a proven track record in the Big 12 could help bring a sense of structure and accountability to the team, two things that could make a huge difference on the field.
Furthermore, a seasoned Big 12 coach would bring with them a wealth of recruiting connections and insight into the Texas football landscape. The state of Texas is widely regarded as one of the richest recruiting grounds in the country, and any coach who has built successful programs in the area would likely have valuable ties to high school coaches and prospects across the state.
A strong, experienced coach would also be able to recruit players who fit Texas’ system and philosophy, ensuring that the Longhorns maintain their competitive edge. Moreover, a solid recruiting class is essential for sustained success in college football, and a Big 12 coach could help Texas tap into the talent-rich areas of the state while also expanding its recruiting footprint into neighboring regions.
The Broader Implications for the Big 12 Conference
The potential hiring of a seasoned Big 12 coach by Texas would have significant implications for the conference as a whole. The Big 12 has undergone a period of uncertainty due to the departures of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC, but the addition of new schools like BYU, UCF, and Cincinnati will keep the conference competitive. A strong Texas team, led by an experienced Big 12 coach, could serve as a stabilizing force for the conference as it navigates these changes.
In the long term, a successful Texas program could also help elevate the profile of the Big 12 in national conversations, especially in the lead-up to Texas’ move to the SEC. The Big 12 will need strong, competitive teams to maintain its relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of college football, and Texas could play a key role in ensuring the conference remains competitive.
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