No. 9 – Hiring Mike Yurich and Chris Ash
Following the disappointing 7-5 season, Texas fired offensive coordinator Tim Beck and defensive coordinator Todd Orlando. The squad immediately saw improvements, dominating Utah in the Valero Alamo Bowl, 38-10.
To build on that momentum and improve the team, even more, Tom Herman brought in outside hires to be the new coordinators. On the offensive side of the ball, former Oklahoma State offensive coordinator and Ohio State passing game coordinator Mike Yurich will be taking over the reins.
Inheriting the best returning quarterback in the conference with Sam Ehlinger, Yurich should be able to hit the ground running. Add in players like Bijan Robinson and Jordan Whittington, and the Longhorn offense has the opportunity to be one of the most explosive in the Big 12.
Former Ohio State defensive coordinator and Rutgers head coach Chris Ash will be looking to rework the entire defense. Already moving players’ positions around, Ash will be switching to a 4-3 defense.
Caden Sterns in the secondary and Joseph Ossai on the defensive line will be key players for Ash, needing vast improvements from both in order to be successful. Ash must take the blue-chip talent across the board and produce to become an elite defense in the Big 12.
Both coaches should help Texas take the correct steps towards improvement. Tom Herman was given one opportunity to hire new assistant coaches. If it works, the future should be bright for the Longhorns. If not, Herman’s job immediately comes into question.