News Splash!! Three Candidates Emerging For Texas Longhorns’ Safety Coach

The Texas Longhorns are actively seeking a new safeties coach following the departure of Blake Gideon, who has accepted the defensive coordinator position at Georgia Tech. Gideon’s tenure at Texas was marked by significant defensive achievements, including a top-ranked pass defense in the nation during the 2024 season, allowing just 143.1 passing yards per game. citeturn0news12

As the Longhorns aim to maintain and build upon this defensive prowess, several potential candidates have emerged for the safeties coach position:

**Torrian Gray**

Currently serving as the defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator for the South Carolina Gamecocks, Torrian Gray brings over two decades of experience coaching defensive backs at both the collegiate and NFL levels. His tenure includes significant roles at Florida and Virginia Tech, where he developed numerous NFL talents such as Kam Chancellor and Kyle Fuller. Gray’s extensive experience in the SEC and proven track record in player development make him a compelling candidate for the Longhorns. citeturn0search0

**Jimmy Lake**

Jimmy Lake, who recently served as the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, boasts a rich coaching background with significant experience in the Pac-12 and NFL. His previous roles include head coach and defensive coordinator at the University of Washington, where he collaborated with Texas’s current defensive coordinator, Pete Kwiatkowski. Lake’s familiarity with Kwiatkowski’s defensive schemes and his success in developing defensive backs could provide a seamless integration into the Longhorns’ coaching staff. citeturn0search0

**Michael Huff**

A former standout safety for the Longhorns and the 2005 Jim Thorpe Award winner, Michael Huff has been serving as Texas’s assistant director of player development. His deep ties to the program and firsthand experience as an elite defensive back offer a unique perspective. Promoting Huff could provide continuity and a strong connection to the Longhorns’ storied defensive traditions. citeturn0search0

As the search progresses, the Longhorns are expected to prioritize a candidate who not only possesses a strong defensive acumen but also aligns with the program’s culture and recruiting objectives. The appointment of a new safeties coach will be pivotal as Texas aims to sustain its defensive excellence in the upcoming seasons.