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Texas Hires Former Kentucky Coach Mark Stoops as Special Assistant to Steve Sarkisian

Texas positions him in an analyst-style role focused on defensive planning under new coordinator Will Muschamp.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets confirmed the hire on Monday, with initial reporting credited to Horns247’s Chip Brown and On3’s Chris Low.
  • Stoops’ duties will be off-field, centering on defensive game planning, self-scouting, and secondary expertise in collaboration with Muschamp.
  • The addition follows defensive staff changes that included Pete Kwiatkowski’s departure and a reshaped secondary room led by Blake Gideon ahead of spring practice.
  • Kentucky still owes Stoops roughly $38 million from his buyout after his firing, which makes the move a low-cost personnel boost for Texas.
  • Texas is eyeing a 2026 College Football Playoff push after a Citrus Bowl win over Michigan, and team sources frame the veteran analyst hires as part of an all‑in approach.