In a surprising turn of events, Terry Joseph, the highly regarded safeties coach for the Texas Longhorns, has left Austin to join the New Orleans Saints as their new defensive backs coach. This move has left Texas fans shocked and disappointed, especially considering the strides Joseph had made in developing the Longhorns’ secondary over the past few seasons.
Joseph’s departure marks a significant loss for head coach Steve Sarkisian’s staff. He had been with Texas since 2021, playing a pivotal role in turning around the defensive unit, particularly in improving the performance of the defensive backs. Under his guidance, players like Jahdae Barron and Keaton Crawford have flourished, and the Longhorns’ secondary had become a key strength of the team. His ability to recruit and develop talent was widely respected across college football, and many saw him as an integral part of Sarkisian’s rebuilding project.
Fans on social media were quick to voice their frustration, with many lamenting how quickly things change in college football. “Then we blink and they are gone,” wrote one fan on Twitter, echoing the sentiment of many who felt that Joseph’s impact was just beginning to be fully realized. Others expressed concern about the long-term stability of the program, given the high turnover of staff in recent years.
Steve Sarkisian’s reaction to Joseph’s departure was measured. In a statement, he wished Terry Joseph well and expressed gratitude for his contributions to the team. “Terry has been an incredible coach for us,” said Sarkisian. “We’re grateful for his work with our student-athletes, and we wish him all the best in his new role with the Saints.”
While the loss of Joseph stings, Sarkisian’s track record in assembling top-tier coaching talent suggests he won’t take long to fill the void. Texas fans are hoping that the next addition to the staff will continue the upward trajectory of the program and help keep the Longhorns competitive in the tough Big 12 and beyond.
As the offseason continues to unfold, fans will be keeping a close eye on how Sarkisian reconfigures his coaching staff and whether the Longhorns can maintain their momentum heading into the 2025 season. The departure of Terry Joseph is a reminder of how fluid the coaching landscape can be and the need for Texas to remain agile in its pursuit of excellence.
