Recent developments in college football coaching have stirred excitement, particularly concerning Texas and other SEC teams. The SEC has undergone considerable changes, with several coaching positions filled and new contenders emerging.
SEC Coaching Changes
- Kentucky appointed Will Stein, previously Oregon’s offensive coordinator.
- Florida hired Jon Sumrall from Tulane.
- Auburn welcomed Alex Golesh from USF as Hugh Freeze’s successor.
- Arkansas recruited Ryan Silverfield from Memphis.
Amid these transitions, Lane Kiffin departed from Ole Miss to join LSU, leading to the promotion of defensive coordinator Pete Golding as head coach for the Rebels. The ongoing changes have led to significant staff turnover across SEC programs, prompting shifts in coaching dynamics.
Neal Brown Linked to North Texas Position
As teams reassess their coaching needs, Neal Brown, special assistant to Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, has emerged as a leading candidate for the North Texas head coaching position. According to reports by Pete Nakos of On3, Brown is currently the “top name” linked to the role.
Brown’s Coaching Background
Neal Brown, 45, previously enjoyed a successful tenure at Troy, where he achieved a 35-16 record over four seasons. His accomplishments include:
- Leading Troy to three consecutive bowl victories.
- Receiving the Sun Belt Coach of the Year award in 2017.
Brown then moved to West Virginia in 2019, where he compiled a 37-35 record, including 25-28 in Big 12 play. His tenure at West Virginia included four bowl game appearances.
Competition for the North Texas Job
Brown faces stiff competition for the North Texas position. Former Florida head coach Billy Napier has shown interest in the role, complicating Brown’s prospects.
Texas Longhorns Outlook
The Texas Longhorns, despite finishing the regular season with a 9-3 record, are still in contention for the College Football Playoff. Notably, they secured victories against three top 10 teams, including a dramatic win against No. 3 Texas A&M last Saturday. This victory not only prevented the Aggies from reaching the SEC Championship Game but also bolstered Texas’s credentials as they vie for a spot in the playoff.
As the coaching carousel continues to spin, the outcomes of these decisions will shape the future landscape of college football, particularly within the SEC and for the Texas Longhorns.
