Muschamp ignites Texas defense with aggressive schemes and relentless recruiting, reshaping the Longhorns' path to championship glory.
Texas football is going all in this season, and newly appointed defensive coordinator Will Muschamp (DC for Texas from 2008-10) has a big role in helping it reach the promised land.
Moving on from former DC Pete Kwiatkowski was a huge decision by head coach Steve Sarkisian. But it was one he felt was necessary.
"When you get a chance to really evaluate your program and where you’re at and also where you’re headed and what you’re trying to accomplish, sometimes change is needed," Sarkisian said in December. "Any time you have an opportunity to bring in quality coaches of Coach [Jabbar] Juluke and Coach Muschamp, you want to take advantage of those opportunities when they’re there."
Muschamp's aggressive scheme and play-calling on defense are the main reasons Sarkisian brought him to the 40 Acres from Georgia.
However, he's been thoroughly impressed with Muschamp's recruiting style, helping bring top high school and Transfer Portal talent to the program.
"Adding Will to the mix is another added bonus. He's a relentless recruiter," Sarkisian said on Monday. "It's something that's probably exceeded my expectations. I knew him as a playcaller, motivator, the guy putting together the defense. It's been a real added bonus, something that has caught my attention."
One of Muschamp's biggest jobs is working with players who've already established themselves as key pieces of the Longhorns defense.
One of those guys is none other than last year's Southeastern Conference sack leader, Colin Simmons.
While Muschamp's defenses prioritize aggression, there have been questions about whether players like Simmons will have to drop into coverage more frequently.
Sarkisian didn't deny that notion, but he did give clarity on how their star edge-rusher is adapting to this new system.
"We're always going to try to put our best players in the position to have success because they're game-changing players," Sarkisian said. "I think Colin has really embraced the new defense. I think there's really good rapport with Colin Simmons and Will Muschamp."
Muschamp has always been touted as a high-energy coach who brings passion into all aspects of his coaching. In fact, one of his most famous outbursts was at Texas when he smashed a whiteboard during a fiery halftime speech.
That's the type of coaching Sarkisian wants to see.
"I see the video of him hitting the board and I love that stuff quite frankly," Sarkisian said. "But his relationships that he has forged in our building already have been awesome... that's another aspect of him that I think he's exceeded some of those expectations."
A lot is riding on the Longhorns' 2026 football season.
Hiring Muschamp was a risky move, but Sarkisian believes he's the type of coach Texas needs to win a National Championship.