Texas player personnel analyst Tony Shields expected to be hired at Memphis

Head coach Steve Sarkisian has already seen some of his off-the-field staff leave Texas in favor of other jobs. Another one is on the way out as well, with Memphis snagging a key personnel staffer from the Longhorns.

According to Matt Zenitz of On3, Tony Shields will be making his way to Memphis. He will serve as the program’s director of player personnel. Shields held a similar role in Austin but was viewed as an analyst. A big step forward will be made under head coach Ryan Silverfield.

“Texas player personnel analyst Tony Shields is expected to be hired as director of player personnel at Memphis, sources tell @on3sports,” Zenitz said.

The role for Shields will essentially be one of a general manager. He will be the guy overseeing the roster and keeping an outlook on potential NCAA transfer portal opportunities for Memphis. With conference realignment moves being made within the next two years, the Tigers are expected to be one of the top Group of Five programs out there.

Shields did not spend too much time with Texas. He was hired away from North Carolina State, working in the personnel department there as well. There has been a rise to the top for Shields, now getting his chance with Memphis.

Early odds, point spreads released for two Texas games

Early point spreads for a pair of 2023 Texas football games have been released, according to FanDuel. The Longhorns open as an 8.5-point underdog for a Week 2 matchup against Alabama and as a 3.5-point favorite for the annual Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma in Week 6.

Texas finished with an 8-5 record in 2022 and once again enters this season with high expectations. It will be the third year for coach Steve Sarkisian, who has a 13-12 record through his first two.

The Longhorns lose leading rusher Bijan Robinson, but bring back starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. His top two targets return in Xavier Worthy (760 yards and nine touchdowns) and Jordan Whittington (652 yards and one touchdown). Texas also added another weapon through the transfer portal in Georgia receiver AD Mitchell.

The Longhorns are set to enter their final season in the Big 12 before joining the SEC in 2024, along with the Sooners. With that being the case, the matchup against Alabama is a preview of many more to come in future seasons.

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this report