Texas fires running backs coach Chad Scott

According to On3’s Pete Nakos, the Texas Longhorns have parted ways with running backs coach Chad Scott. Staff turnover is expected this offseason in Austin after finishing 9-3 and failing to make the College Football Playoff. Scott is first one up, meaning an important assistant role is now open under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Finding a new running backs coach is nothing new for Texas in recent times. Whenever Sarkisian makes his next hire, it will be the third person to occupy the role in as many seasons. Texas saw Tashard Choice leave the program following the 2024 season, making a jump to the NFL. Choice is currently with the Detroit Lions after three years on the 40 Acres.

As for Scott, he came to Texas via West Virginia, a place he spent six seasons in multiple different roles. The most prominent of which was running backs coach, being most of his background. Scott served as the co-offensive coordinator in 2023 and 2024, even moving into the interim head coach spot after Neal Brown was fired.

Running back will certainly be a position to watch moving forward for Texas, even past the parting of ways with Scott. CJ Baxter, once a true freshman starter for the Longhorns, has already entered the NCAA transfer portal. And with a coaching change, more could certainly be on the way.

More on Texas Longhorns running backs in 2025

Texas struggled to run the ball throughout 2025. Not all the blame can be placed on the running backs, as the offensive line did not come together as the coaching staff had hoped. But early indications show a major rework is coming to the room.

Tre Wisner will end the year as the program’s leading rusher, going for 597 yards and three touchdowns on 131 carries. Well short of the 1,000-yard mark he hit a season ago, Wisner still remains a fan favorite for the Longhorns. Putting up 155 yards against Texas A&M inside Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium certainly helps the cause.

Following him was quarterback Arch Manning, who accumulated 244 yards and eight touchdowns. Other running backs, such as Baxter, Christian Clark, Jerrick Gibson, and James Simon, put up minimal numbers in comparison.

Gibson has already left Texas, meaning Wisner, Clark, and Simon are expected to be available for the Citrus Bowl vs. Michigan. Who will be coaching them will surely be revealed in the coming days.