At long last, the speculation regarding Texas’ other coordinator vacancy can come to a merciful end.
According to multiple reports — but first reported by Chip Brown of OrangeBloods.com — the Longhorns have hired Boise State offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin to become their new co-coordinator. The other coordinator will be running backs coach Major Applewhite, although Harsin will be given the all-important play-calling duties.
The school subsequently confirmed the hire.
“Everyone knows of the appreciation I’ve had for Chris (Petersen), Bryan and the Boise State offense for quite some time,” head coach Mack Brown said in a statement. “They have had an unbelievable amount of success over the last several years and their offense has played a huge part in that. In my opinion, they’ve been one of the most innovative offenses in the country, and I enjoy watching them every chance I get.
“Now that I’ve met Bryan, I’m really impressed. He has a great passion and knowledge of football.”
Harsin spent parts of yesterday and today in Austin interviewing for the position after the Longhorns abruptly turned their attention back to him. He had been rumored to be a candidate last month, but had been off the radar as the job was ultimately offered to Wisconsin coordinator Paul Chryst. The Badgers assistant apparently turned down the job, in all likelihood so that he could turn his attention to head-coaching jobs — Pittsburgh and UConn — and/or a position on Jason Garrett‘s Dallas Cowboys’ coaching staff.
The 34-year-old Harsin has been the coordinator at Boise State for the past five seasons, helping to lead one of the most consistently explosive offenses in the country.
With the addition of 36-year-old Manny Diaz as defensive coordinator earlier this week, the combined age of the new hires is 70. Or, to put it into the proper perspective, 14 years younger than Penn State head coach Joe Paterno.
Hmm, my invisible comment, what could it be.
FYWP
Personally, I thought it was your best work. Ever.
It was the quintessential spud to me.
It was a Zen post- you have to see the “everything” in the “nothing”.
Really love this hire. There’s also apparently a plane flying in from Madison, presumably carrying Bob Bostad. So, even if we aren’t getting Chryst, maybe we’ll get his O-line coach. Does anybody doubt Mack’s ability at this point? He just assembled a supergroup of coaches. I think Harsin will get Garrett “Vanilla Vince” Gilbert turned around and playing winning football. Though I’m not overly optimistic and I understand it takes a lot of time and hard work. I’m sure it will help to have Malcolm Brown to hand it off to, though.
Well, I don’t think Texas really reeled in Plan A at every position, but the guys hired were all big-time gets. My favorite of any of them is Bo Davis for DT coach, although getting Bostad would probably put make him the best hiring.
“assembled a group of super coaches”….really? If they are so super, why were they his third and fourth choices in most cases? “Vanilla Vince” would be more aptly described as the “great white OVERhype”.
Texas’ offense struggled. So what do you need to do? Get the OC from one of the best offenses in the country. Good hire; win-win for both parties.
Are you kidding?
An offensive coordinator from the little sisters of the poor? What is Brown thinking?