Report: Texas hires former FAU WR coach as defensive analyst

According to Brandon Huffman of 247Sports, the Texas Longhorns have hired Joey Thomas as a defensive analyst. Thomas most recently coached at FAU, serving as the wide receivers coach for the 2021 season after being hired in 2020 as an analyst.

By heading to Austin to work for the Longhorns, Thomas will be working with his former defensive coordinator, Pete Kwiatkowski. The two were together at Montana State, where Thomas played as a cornerback before being drafted in the third round by the Green Bay Packers in the 2004 NFL draft. Kwiatkowski helped the defensive back be named an All-American twice and an All-Big Sky player for three seasons.

Thomas was at Fort Scott Junior College before FAU, serving a variety of roles for the JUCO program. He started his career in the high school ranks, serving as the head coach at two different programs in the state of Washington.

Texas Longhorns move to SEC cited for CFP expansion failure

Remember when the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners accepting a bid to the SEC was the biggest story in college football? That feels like ages ago with the season, coaching carousel, and the craziness of the transfer portal taking center stage lately.

However, the two current Big 12 teams and their move to the SEC could have had an effect on Friday’s decision on the College Football Playoff not expanding.

After the announcement, Chris Vannnini of The Athletic asked Mountain West commissioner Craig Thompson if the Red River schools moving to the SEC went into the decision process of the voting. He said it did have an effect and possibly even a breaking point for some.

“It certainly was a factor. It changed the temperament of this particular situation,” Thompson said. “Was it a breaking point or catalyst? I don’t know. It had an effect.”

As of right now, the Longhorns and Sooners are not expected to leave the Big 12 until the 2025 season. However, there is still a way to join the SEC earlier by paying a hefty buyout. As of right now, both Texas and Oklahoma are expected to play a full Big 12 schedule during the 2022 season.

One date we do know is when the College Football Playoff will be expanding. After voting against the idea on Friday, the FBS commissioners and Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick will be working toward a new format for the 2026 season. Until then, there will only be four teams in the playoff.