The Texas Longhorns football program has seen its fair share of coaching changes over the years, but the departure of defensive backs coach Terry Joseph in 2025 marks a significant turning point for the Longhorns’ defense. Joseph, a vital member of head coach Steve Sarkisian’s staff, has played a pivotal role in developing one of the top defensive backfields in college football. However, after a successful stint in Austin, Joseph has decided to make the jump to the NFL, leaving many fans and analysts wondering what the future holds for the Longhorns’ secondary.
Joseph’s decision to leave for an NFL position is undoubtedly a bittersweet moment for Texas. While it’s a testament to his growth and reputation as a coach, it also raises questions about how the program will navigate his absence and continue to build upon the defensive success that has made the Longhorns one of the more promising teams in college football.
Terry Joseph’s Impact at Texas
Terry Joseph’s tenure as Texas’ defensive backs coach was marked by significant improvement in the secondary, a unit that had been inconsistent prior to his arrival. When Joseph joined Sarkisian’s staff in 2021, the Longhorns’ defensive backfield was in need of development and consistency. Joseph, however, immediately set to work, transforming the group into one of the strongest defensive units on the team. His success wasn’t just in terms of coaching fundamentals but also in the development of individual players, helping several DBs take their games to the next level.
Under Joseph’s tutelage, standout players like Jerrin Thompson, Deshon Jamison, and Ryan Watts flourished. Thompson, in particular, saw a dramatic rise in his play, becoming one of the top safeties in the Big 12. Jamison, a versatile cornerback, emerged as a leader in the secondary, while Watts, a transfer from Ohio State, quickly became a lockdown corner and a key contributor to the Longhorns’ defensive success.
Joseph’s ability to develop both cornerbacks and safeties into high-level players has been a hallmark of his coaching career, and it was no different at Texas. His emphasis on technique, mental discipline, and football IQ helped the Longhorns’ DBs make game-changing plays, from timely interceptions to critical pass breakups. It’s no wonder that his departure for the NFL comes as no surprise to those who have followed his career trajectory closely. After all, the NFL is where many of his proteges are destined to end up, and Joseph’s skill set was bound to catch the attention of professional teams.
Joseph’s Move to the NFL: What It Means for Him
Terry Joseph’s move to the NFL is a natural progression in his career. While college football is a rewarding and high-profile environment, the NFL represents the pinnacle of coaching in football. Joseph’s reputation as a coach who can develop elite talent, particularly in the secondary, made him a prime candidate for an NFL position. The fact that he has earned an opportunity at this level speaks volumes about his coaching acumen and ability to impact players at the highest level of football.
While the specific team that Joseph will join remains to be confirmed, this move undoubtedly reflects the increasing demand for coaches who can develop top-tier defensive backs in the modern NFL, where passing games are evolving rapidly, and secondary play is at the forefront of team success. Joseph’s success in college football, combined with his attention to detail and innovative coaching methods, will likely make him a highly sought-after asset in the professional ranks.
For Joseph, this move provides an exciting new challenge. It gives him the chance to refine his craft at the professional level while working with some of the best athletes in the world. The transition from college to the NFL is not always an easy one, but with his experience and proven ability to develop young talent, Joseph will likely find success at the next level.
The Longhorns’ Secondary in Transition
Joseph’s departure leaves a significant hole in Texas’ defensive coaching staff, particularly in the secondary, which had become one of the strongest positions on the team. The Longhorns’ defense, under Joseph’s guidance, has been known for its toughness, discipline, and high-level execution. With the defensive backfield being one of the pillars of the program’s success in recent years, it’s understandable that his absence will be felt deeply by both players and coaches alike.
The question now is: how will the Longhorns adapt to life without Terry Joseph?
Sarkisian, known for his ability to assemble high-level coaching staffs, will need to act quickly to find a suitable replacement. The next DB coach must not only continue Joseph’s work in developing players but also help maintain the high standards that have been set in the Longhorns’ defensive program. The secondary has been a key part of Texas’ overall defensive strategy, and the new coach will have big shoes to fill.
The good news for the Longhorns is that there is no shortage of talent in their defensive backfield. With returning players like Jerrin Thompson, Deshon Jamison, and Jaylon Guilbeau, there is plenty of promise. Additionally, Texas has continued to recruit highly touted defensive backs, and several young players could step up and make an immediate impact. The continuity in player talent gives the Longhorns a solid foundation, but the incoming coach will need to work closely with these athletes to maintain the standard of excellence set by Joseph.
Sarkisian’s Coaching Philosophy: Next Steps
Head coach Steve Sarkisian now faces the challenge of finding a coach who can seamlessly integrate into his staff while continuing the excellent development work Joseph started. Sarkisian is known for being a meticulous planner and has shown a strong ability to build well-rounded, successful coaching staffs during his tenure at Texas.
For Sarkisian, the search for Joseph’s replacement could follow a few different paths. First, he may look to bring in a coach with a proven track record in developing defensive backs at the college level, possibly someone with experience in major programs or the NFL. Alternatively, Sarkisian may opt to promote from within the program, elevating one of the current staff members who has familiarity with Texas’ defensive scheme and the players themselves.
Regardless of who is chosen, the next defensive backs coach will need to keep the Longhorns’ defensive culture intact. The Longhorns’ success in the secondary over the past few seasons has been built on a foundation of technical coaching, hard work, and mental toughness—values that will need to continue under the new coach’s leadership.
Recruiting and Future Outlook
One of the most important tasks for the new defensive backs coach will be maintaining Texas’ recruiting pipeline. The Longhorns have consistently landed some of the top talent in the country, and recruiting is an area where Joseph’s departure could have the most immediate impact. Texas will need to work quickly to ensure that their defensive back recruits remain committed and that the next coach can continue to attract elite talent.
Fortunately, the Longhorns’ recent success on the recruiting trail, combined with Sarkisian’s focus on building a national championship-contending program, bodes well for the future. The team’s ability to develop top-tier defensive backs will continue to be a key selling point for recruits, and Texas’ stature as one of college football’s most storied programs will remain a significant draw.
Conclusion
Terry Joseph’s departure to the NFL is a bittersweet moment for the Texas Longhorns. While his move represents a significant loss for the program, it is also a reflection of his growth as a coach and his ability to develop elite talent. For Texas, the focus now shifts to finding a worthy replacement who can continue the work Joseph began and maintain the high level of play in the defensive backfield. With a strong coaching staff in place and a roster full of talented players, the Longhorns are well-positioned to continue competing at a high level. While Joseph’s departure marks the end of an era for Texas’ defensive backs, it also signals a new chapter for the program as they look to build on their success and push forward in the competitive landscape of college football.
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