Arizona DC Johnny Nansen expected to be named Texas linebackers coach
Arizona defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen is expected to be named Texas’ linebacker coach, Inside Texas has learned.
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IT previously reported on December 29 that Nansen, who has a daughter at Texas, was the leading candidate. That report, which includes detailed information about Nansen, is in italics below.
In countless ways, the potential hire would make a lot of sense. Nansen was part of Sarkisian’s first staff at the University of Washington and then followed Sarkisian on to USC. Of late, Nansen has risen the coaching ranks and now finds himself as the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Wildcats.
Throughout his coaching career, Nansen, who played linebacker at Washington State, including one year at Washington State with Texas tight ends coach Jeff Banks, has worn many hats.
Per Wikipedia:
2000 Montana State (RB)
2001-2002 Idaho State (CB) – Jeff Banks was on staff
2003 Idaho (DB) – Jeff Banks was on staff
2004-2006 Idaho (LB/ST)
2007-2008 Idaho (DL/ST)
2009-2011 Washington (DL/ST) – Sark head coach
2012-2013 Washington (RB/ST/AHC) – Sark head coach
2014-2015 USC (RB/ST/AHC) – Sark head coach
2016-2018 USC (LB/AHC)
2019 USC (ILB)
2020-2021 UCLA (DL)
2022-present Arizona (DC/ILB)
Despite the numerous different coaching hats he’s worn, one hat has remained constant — that of ace recruiter. Fans who follow recruiting closely will have likely heard of Nansen. Throughout his career, Nansen is credited with landing 22 four-stars and two five-stars. Most of those recruits have come from California, with some also from Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona, and even Texas.
These are all places Sarkisian would love to strengthen his staff’s recruiting grip.
In the last year or two, Nansen has become more well known for his coaching prowess, culminating with his nomination for the Boyles award this season.
From Arizonawildcats.com:
Coach Nansen has led the Wildcats defense to unprecedented success in 2023, rising to No. 35 in total defense from No. 124 in total defense a season ago. Arizona has seen outstanding improvement in rushing defense rising to No. 13 in the nation in 2023 from No. 124 a season ago.
The Wildcats, under Coach Nansen’s leadership, have allowed under 100 yards rushing (99.4) per game for the first time in over 10 years. In 2022, Nansen’s defense forced more turnovers (16) than its 2021 counterpart (6) marking an improvement by 10 leading to a four-win improvement which marked the third-largest win improvement in program history. The 2023 Wildcats have won seven games besting its 2022 tally of five and cliched a bowl game appearance for the first time since 2017.
Nansen replaces Jeff Choate, who left to become the head coach of Nevada.
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The expected addition of Nansen makes Sarkisian’s 10-man assistant staff whole.
