David Pollack Ranks Will Muschamp as Best Defensive Coordinator in College Football

Pollack believes Muschamp will quickly fix Texas' defensive issues with his aggressive approach.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:11pm

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College football expert David Pollack believes newly hired Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp is the best in the country at his position. Pollack praised Muschamp's aggressive coaching style and ability to get the most out of talented rosters, citing his previous success at Texas and Georgia.

Why it matters

Texas has struggled defensively in recent years despite having a wealth of talent on that side of the ball. Muschamp's hiring is seen as a major upgrade that could help the Longhorns return to the College Football Playoff conversation.

The details

Muschamp, who previously served as Texas' defensive coordinator from 2008-2010, is known for his intense, aggressive defensive schemes. Pollack believes Muschamp will immediately change the attitude and edge of the Texas defense, which ranked 40th nationally in total yards allowed per game last season under former coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. Muschamp has a track record of success, helping Georgia reach the 2022 national championship with his co-defensive coordinator role.

  • Muschamp was hired as Texas' defensive coordinator this offseason.
  • Muschamp previously served as Texas' defensive coordinator from 2008-2010.
  • Muschamp was co-defensive coordinator at Georgia in 2022-2023, helping the Bulldogs win the national championship in 2022.

The players

Will Muschamp

The newly hired defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns, known for his aggressive coaching style and ability to get the most out of talented rosters.

David Pollack

A college football expert who believes Muschamp is the best defensive coordinator in the country.

Steve Sarkisian

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns, who has praised Muschamp's presence and impact on the team since his hiring.

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What they’re saying

“Talent is not a problem. Attitude and toughness is the problem at Texas. [Muschamp]'s got plenty of that; plenty of attitude, plenty of plenty of toughness, plenty of five stars, plenty of pass rush. He should have a little bit of everything.”

— David Pollack, College Football Expert (See Ball Get Ball Podcast)

“I think that stands out. You definitely feel his presence on the field... What we [thought we] were getting out of him is coming to fruition.”

— Steve Sarkisian, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns (Texas Football)

What’s next

Muschamp will look to quickly implement his aggressive defensive scheme and change the attitude of the Texas defense during spring practice and heading into the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The hiring of Will Muschamp as Texas' defensive coordinator is seen as a major upgrade that could help the Longhorns return to the College Football Playoff conversation. Muschamp's track record of success and ability to get the most out of talented rosters has experts like David Pollack believing he is the best defensive coordinator in college football.