How Texas’ new coaching hires can hit the ground running on the recruiting trail

The Texas Longhorns have made key additions to their coaching and recruiting staffs, bringing in a new corners coach, safeties coach, running backs coach, nickels coach, EDGE Coach, scouting coordinator, senior player personnel coordinator, and director of scouting. One of the most notable moves is the return of Duane Akina, a longtime Texas coach who helped build the program’s reputation as DBU and now returns after stints at Stanford and Arizona.

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His presence brings familiarity and credibility with Texas high school coaches and recruits, particularly in the secondary. Many of the defensive backs recruits see on the walls of the Texas facility—Thorpe Award winners, first-round draft picks, and NFL stars—developed under his watch. His return strengthens player development and provides a recognizable face for defensive recruits evaluating Texas.

New Texas Coaching & Recruiting Hires:

• Corners coach Mark Orphey (from Rutgers)
• Running backs coach Chad Scott (from West Virginia)
• Nickels coach Keynodo Hudson (previously a Texas analyst)
• EDGE coach LaAllan Clark (from Ohio State)
• Scouting coordinator Tanner Martin
• Senior player personnel coordinator Josh Dunson (from Memphis)
• Director of scouting Errin Joe (from Georgia Tech)
• Safeties coach Duane Akina (from Arizona, longtime Texas DB coach)

These coaches are mostly seasoned veterans who understand how to step into a new role and hit the ground running. There’s full confidence they’re already implementing these steps, but this gives you a timeline and behind-the-scenes look at how coaches operate when taking over new jobs and a successful model that allows a staff to maintain momentum without missing a beat.

Secure Buy-In from Current Recruits

Texas has already spent years building relationships with top prospects, and these new hires must quickly establish trust with recruits who were previously in contact with former staff members.

Day 1-3: Direct Communication with Recruits (if rules allow)

• Call or text every recruit Texas has been pursuing at their position.
• Introduce themselves, reaffirm Texas’ interest, and express excitement about working with them.
• Ensure recruits feel valued and emphasize that Texas’ vision and development plan for them remains the same.
• Defensive backs should hear about the program’s track record of producing elite talent and its commitment to player development.

Day 4-7: Personalized Virtual Meetings (if permitted)

• If FaceTime, Zoom, or video calls are allowed, set up meetings with key recruits and their families.
• Discuss player development, scheme fit, and address any concerns about coaching changes.
• Lean on existing relationships within the program—current players, other coaches, and recruiting staff—to reinforce continuity.

Day 8-14: Invite Recruits to Campus for Spring Practice

• Encourage prospects to visit campus and watch practice to see the new staff in action.
• Ensure defensive recruits, in particular, get a sense of how the position is coached and the program’s history of producing NFL players.
• Use these visits to strengthen relationships and solidify Texas as a top option for recruits.

Build Relationships with High School Coaches & Influencers

Texas’ recruiting success is built on strong relationships with high school coaches, trainers, and key figures in major recruiting areas. These new hires must quickly introduce themselves and establish connections across Texas and beyond.

Week 1: Connect with High School Coaches

• Identify top high school programs in Texas and surrounding states that regularly produce Division I talent.
• Call or text influential high school coaches, introduce themselves, and express interest in building relationships.
• Coaches familiar with the program’s history will recognize the consistency in player development Texas has maintained over the years.
• Ask about their coaching philosophies, their best players, and how Texas can continue to recruit their programs effectively.

Week 2: Attend Events to Connect with High School Coaches

• Find Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) events, coaching clinics, and networking opportunities where coaches will be present.
• Introduce themselves and talk about Texas’ player development model, recruiting strategy, and how Texas can continue to evaluate and recruit their players.
• Build rapport by showing investment in the Texas high school football community.

Extend Invitations for Coaches to Visit Texas

• Welcome high school coaches and trainers to visit the Texas football facility and watch spring practice.
• For defensive backs coaches, seeing how the position is developed and learning about Texas’ long-standing reputation for producing NFL-caliber players will be a strong selling point.
• Establish open lines of communication so coaches know they can reach out at any time to advocate for their players.

Why This Matters for Texas’ 2026 & 2027 Recruiting Classes

The 2026 and 2027 recruiting cycles are already well underway, and these new hires must ensure Texas remains a dominant force in recruiting.

Bringing in experienced recruiters and respected position coaches ensures continuity, familiarity, and confidence in the program among high school coaches and recruits. Defensive backs, in particular, will have the opportunity to be coached by someone with a track record of developing Thorpe Award winners and first-round draft picks, reinforcing Texas’ reputation as a premier destination for secondary talent.

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This model gives you a timeline and behind-the-scenes look at how a successful transition is managed. When executed properly, it allows a staff to maintain recruiting momentum without missing a beat, ensuring Texas continues to build toward its long-term vision.