Blake Gideon Reunites with Mentor Will Muschamp on Texas Coaching Staff

Gideon's return to the Longhorns brings him back together with his former coach and the man who got him into the profession.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting overlapping planes of burnt orange, navy blue, and white, representing the reunion of two Texas football coaches on the field.Gideon's return to the Longhorns brings him back together with his former coach and mentor Muschamp, reuniting two key figures from Texas' past.Gainesville Today

Former Texas Longhorns safety Blake Gideon is returning to his alma mater as the defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach, reuniting him with one of his mentors from his playing days - defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. Muschamp, who served in the same role with the Longhorns from 2008 to 2010, was the one who first got Gideon into coaching back in 2014 when he was the head coach at Florida. Gideon spoke about his respect for Muschamp's system and the trust they have built over the years, saying that Muschamp's consistency and attention to detail are what have made him successful.

Why it matters

Gideon's return to Texas and his pairing with Muschamp represents a reunion of two key figures from the Longhorns' past. Their relationship and shared coaching philosophy could help strengthen the team's defensive identity and player development as they look to build on recent seasons.

The details

Gideon previously served as a safeties coach at Texas from 2021 to 2024 under head coach Steve Sarkisian. Now he will be reunited with Muschamp, who was the defensive coordinator during Gideon's playing days with the Longhorns from 2008 to 2010. Gideon spoke highly of Muschamp's attention to detail, his grasp of the big picture, and his consistent approach, all of which Gideon says have made Muschamp successful over the years.

  • Gideon played for the Longhorns from 2008 to 2010.
  • Muschamp was the defensive coordinator at Texas from 2008 to 2010.
  • Gideon began his coaching career in 2014 as a defensive quality control coach under Muschamp at Florida.
  • Gideon returned to Texas as a safeties coach from 2021 to 2024.
  • Gideon and Muschamp will be on the Longhorns' sideline together for the first time since 2010 when Texas hosts Texas State on September 5.

The players

Blake Gideon

A former Texas Longhorns safety who is returning to his alma mater as the defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach, reuniting him with one of his mentors from his playing days.

Will Muschamp

The defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns, who served in the same role from 2008 to 2010 when Gideon was a player. Muschamp was the one who got Gideon into coaching back in 2014 when he was the head coach at Florida.

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What they’re saying

“He got me into this coaching thing back in Gainesville, Florida a dozen years ago. So, I believe in his system and how he does things and we've got a lot of trust between each other, and so there's another opportunity for me to grow as well.”

— Blake Gideon, Defensive Pass Game Coordinator and Secondary Coach, Texas Longhorns

“I don't if he has (changed) much, which is a good thing. I think what makes him unique is obviously his detail and his intent and his work. My perception of him, going back to being 18 years old, was that he had a really good grasp on all 11 guys and the big picture of things, and that's something I admire and respect. He might have a couple more gray hairs, but he's got the same energy, the same approach, and the same expectations, and his consistency over time is what's made him who he is.”

— Blake Gideon, Defensive Pass Game Coordinator and Secondary Coach, Texas Longhorns

What’s next

The Longhorns will take the field with Muschamp on the sidelines for the first time since the 2010 season when they host the Texas State Bobcats at DKR on September 5.

The takeaway

Gideon's reunion with his former mentor Muschamp on the Texas coaching staff represents a homecoming for the former Longhorns player and an opportunity to build on their established trust and coaching philosophy. Their shared experience and Muschamp's proven track record could help strengthen the Longhorns' defensive identity as the program looks to take the next step.