Texas Defensive Coordinator Muschamp Trolls Rivals Over Academics

Sarkisian's $8.4M hire takes jab at other schools letting players skip classes

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:50pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented and overlapping shapes and planes in vibrant colors, representing the complex dynamics of college football and the ongoing debate over academic standards.Muschamp's academic jab at rival programs sparks debate over the balance of athletics and academics in major college sports.Austin Today

Texas Longhorns defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, hired by head coach Steve Sarkisian on a 3-year, $8.4 million contract, took a subtle dig at other college football programs for allowing players to skip academic classes. Muschamp, who previously served on the Texas coaching staff from 2008-2010, emphasized that Texas players 'actually go to school here' and 'actually go to class' unlike 'some other places'.

Why it matters

Muschamp's comments highlight the ongoing debate around the balance between athletics and academics in major college football programs. As a high-profile hire on a lucrative contract, his remarks stoke rivalries and put a spotlight on the academic standards and priorities of different schools.

The details

Sarkisian brought back Muschamp to serve as Texas' new defensive coordinator, marking Muschamp's return to the Forty Acres after previously coaching there from 2008-2010 under Mack Brown. Muschamp, known for his high-energy defensive approach, is expected to help restore the Longhorns' defensive identity after the unit struggled at times in 2025. Muschamp's 3-year, $8.4 million contract includes annual $100,000 raises, reaching $2.9 million by 2028.

  • Muschamp was hired as Texas' new defensive coordinator on December 18, 2025.
  • Muschamp observed Longhorns practice sessions ahead of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in late 2025.

The players

Steve Sarkisian

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns football team who hired Will Muschamp as the new defensive coordinator.

Will Muschamp

The new defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns, hired by Steve Sarkisian on a 3-year, $8.4 million contract. Muschamp previously served on the Texas coaching staff from 2008-2010.

Mack Brown

The former head coach of the Texas Longhorns, under whom Muschamp served as an assistant coach from 2008-2010.

Sam Acho

An elite player who played under Muschamp's defensive leadership at Texas, earning the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy in 2010.

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What they’re saying

“From a length standpoint, from an athletic standpoint, some of the testing numbers, obviously, they need to have good tape. They gotta have a good transcript. Our players actually go to school here at Texas. We actually go to class. Not like some other places. So at the end of the day, all of those things are encompassing and very important to any student athlete here.”

— Will Muschamp, Texas Defensive Coordinator

“Having the opportunity to hire Will Muschamp provides us the leadership to take our defense to another level. Will is a guy I've known for a long time, always admired, and is as good of a defensive mind and coach as I've ever coached against.”

— Steve Sarkisian, Texas Head Coach

What’s next

Muschamp's comments have sparked discussion around academic standards in college football, and it remains to be seen if his emphasis on player attendance and performance in the classroom will translate to on-field success for the Texas defense in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Muschamp's remarks highlight the ongoing tension between athletics and academics in major college football programs, as high-profile coaches use their platforms to take subtle jabs at perceived academic shortcomings of rival schools. This story underscores the importance placed on both athletic and academic performance for student-athletes at the top levels of the sport.