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Texas parting ways with Pete Kwiatkowski, Duane Akina; Will Muschamp returning as DC

Joe Cookby: Joe Cook9 hours agojosephcook89

Texas is parting ways with defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and passing game coordinator Duane Akina, the program announced. Will Muschamp will return as defensive coordinator, the program announced. Kwiatkowski was part of Steve Sarkisian’s original staff at Texas. The 2025 season was Akina’s first year back with the program after he was part of Mack Brown‘s staff for 13 seasons.

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“We appreciate all that Pete Kwiatkowski has done for the program in his five years coordinating our defense and are grateful for Duane Akina’s efforts in returning to the program this past year,” said Sarkisian. “They are both tremendous coaches and people that worked extremely hard for Texas Football and the players they coached. We have had a great deal of success, are thankful for the roles they played in that, and wish them the best.

“But at this time, we just felt it was best for our program to move in a different direction, and having the opportunity to hire Will Muschamp provides us the leadership to take our defense to another level. Will is a guy I’ve known for a long time, always admired and is as good of a defensive mind and coach as I’ve ever coached against. His defenses are relentless; he absolutely gets the best out of his staff and players and is such an extremely well-respected coach. I know Longhorn Nation knows him well, he led some incredible defenses here on the Forty, and I’m so fired up to be bringing him back to Texas. He’ll be an awesome addition to our staff.”

Kwiatkowski, who arrived at Texas from Washington, coordinated elite Longhorn defenses in 2023 and 2024.

Akina spent 2001-2013 with the Longhorns. He joined Sarkisian‘s program after he was Arizona’s defensive coordinator in 2024. Akina also coached at Stanford following his first stint in Austin.

The Longhorns were No. 101 passing yards per game allowed in 2025 after ranking seventh in the stat in 2024. Texas was No. 49 in team passing efficiency defense in 2025 after finishing the 2024 season No. 2 in the statistic.

“This is an exciting day for the Muschamp family,” Muschamp said. “We loved our time in Austin and truly enjoyed everything about working with Texas Football. We’re thrilled to be coming back to a program with one of the richest and proudest histories and traditions in college football. With what Coach Sark has done in rebuilding this program – knowing there are even better days ahead – I was fired up for the opportunity. I have tremendous respect and admiration for Sark, how he leads his program, develops his team and players, builds culture and goes about his business. I’m excited to be a part of it and can’t wait to get started, Hook ‘em!”

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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