NFL
By: Lamarr Fields
The Texas Longhorns were able to get Will Muschamp away from the Georgia Bulldogs this offseason. Texas gave Muschamp a $2.7 million salary. Muschamp served as Texas defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2010.
“Having the opportunity to hire Will Muschamp provides us the leadership to take our defense to another level,” Sarkisian said in a statement. “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. His defenses are relentless; he absolutely gets the best out of his staff and players and is such an extremely well-respected coach.
Muschamp Back at Texas
Now back in Texas, Muschamp will need to stabilize the Texas defense. It has been a while since he called a defense. During Muschamp’s time in Georgia from 2021-25, he served as co-defensive coordinator with Glenn Schumann, who called the defense. Muschamp last called plays in 2020 with South Carolina.
When hired, Muschamp had this to say. “This is an exciting day for the Muschamp family,” Muschamp said in a statement. “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. With what Coach Sark has done in rebuilding this program — knowing there are even better days ahead — I was fired up for the opportunity.”
Muschamp’s Defense
The Texas defense has ranked in the top ten three of the past four seasons. So Muschamp has some big shoes to fill. Muschamp’s defense is aggressive and multi-scheme. It features man-to-man coverage. He likes his cornerbacks to play tight man-to-man coverage. Blends aggressive looks with sophisticated zone drops (like Cover 3 match) to protect against vertical threats while maintaining physical coverage rules. Focuses on high-effort pass rushes, strategic stunts, and disguised blitz packages from linebackers.
Players who Could Thrive
Edged rusher Colin Simmons should thrive in the Muschamp defense. Simmons is coming off a season with 15.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Simmons will be even more dangerous with the twists and stunts that Muschamp likes to run. Muschamp likes a 3-4 front; Simmons would be a pure pass rusher in that scheme.
With Kade Phillips’ length and size, he is the perfect cornerback in the Muschamp system. At 6’0, 191 pounds, Phillips can develop into one of the better cornerbacks in the country. Phillips compiled six pass defenses last year.
Safety Jelani McDonald is good at run-stopping. Learning from Muschamp, he can become a top-tier safety in college football. Graceson Littleton played as a true freshman last year and played well. He had two interceptions and two pass breakups. Littleton can be an outstanding man-to-man defender, which Muschamp likes.
