Five times since the end of the 2010, five members of Mack Brown‘s coaching staff have either “resigned” or left for other jobs.
Apparently, that number jumped to six over the weekend.
According to multiple reports, UT defensive backs coach Duane Akina has made a lateral move for the same job with the Arizona Wildcats. The move to the desert is a homecoming of sorts for Akina as the longtime assistant had spent 14 seasons (1987-2000) as a coach at the school before moving on to the Longhorns.
Akina will replace Greg Brown, who accepted a position with Colorado last month.
As noted by the Austin American-Statesman, Major Applewhite (running backs and now co-offensive coordinator), Bruce Chambers (tight ends) and Oscar Giles (defensive ends) would be the only holdovers from the 2010 staff if the Akina report is proven to be accurate.
Another position on Brown’s staff that needs to be filled is offensive line, but it won’t be filled by Oklahoma State’s Joe Wickline. The Cowboys assistant confirmed he had spoken to the ‘Horns regarding the job, but ultimately decided to remain in Stillwater.
“I’m in a great place,” Wickline told Tulsa World. “Based on where Oklahoma State is, we’re in really good shape here, and we like the direction we’re going in.”