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Executive summary
Steve Sarkisian has begun making visible staff changes after a disappointing 2025 regular season, most notably firing running backs coach Chad Scott after one season as Texas averaged a program‑worst 129.7 rushing yards per game in 2025 — the lowest since 1944 — and saw its leading rusher finish with 597 yards [1] [2]. The move is one of several December personnel shifts as Texas seeks a new identity in the run game and considers candidates including Jabbar Juluke and Frank Wilson among others reported in the media [1] [3].
1. Sarkisian’s accountability test: the headline move
Sarkisian’s decision to part ways with Chad Scott is framed in coverage as a direct accountability action after the Longhorns’ ground attack collapsed in 2025, finishing 101st nationally in rushing yards per game and producing the program’s worst rushing season in 81 years — an outcome multiple outlets tie to the position coach’s performance and roster issues [1] [4] [2]. On3’s analysis contextualizes the firing as one of several “tough conversations” Sarkisian needed to have to reposition the program heading into January and the transfer/signing windows [5].
2. How bad was the run game — and who shares blame
Reporting quantifies the problem: Texas averaged roughly 129.7 rushing yards per game in 2025, with Tre Wisner leading the team at 597 rushing yards; the offense averaged 3.9 yards per carry and fell to 3.3 against SEC opponents according to contemporaneous coverage [1] [6] [2]. Outlets present competing framings: some pin responsibility largely on Scott’s inability to revive production after Tashard Choice’s departure, while others note injuries (to Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter), offensive‑line turnover and recruiting/portal decisions also contributed to the problem — a multi‑factor narrative Burnt Orange Nation explores [4] [2].
3. One coach’s exit, many moving parts in the room
Writers stress that Scott was only in place for a single season after replacing Tashard Choice, and that the running backs room also featured injuries and attrition that complicated development — CJ Baxter’s injury history and other personnel changes are cited as reasons this was not solely a coaching failure [4]. On3 and other reports emphasize the broader personnel ripple effects: backs entering the transfer portal and recruiting targets like Derrek Cooper and Jett Walker factor into why Sarkisian felt a new voice was necessary [4] [2] [7].
4. The likely hiring market and internal strategy
Coverage catalogues several candidates reportedly under consideration to replace Scott, including Jabbar Juluke (Florida) and Frank Wilson (LSU interim/head coach background), and a “hot board” of names that would fit Texas’ immediate recruiting and development needs [1] [3] [7]. Sources indicate Texas is leaning toward a hire who can both recruit at a high level and reestablish a more physical identity on the ground, reflecting an implicit agenda to fix a visible shortfall quickly before portal and signing windows close [7] [3].
5. Calendar pressure: why December matters
Multiple reports place urgency on December because of the transfer portal, bowl prep and recruiting timelines; firing Scott now gives Sarkisian time to pursue replacements and influence potential transfers and recruits ahead of January windows [2] [4]. On3’s piece frames these moves as part of broader structural adjustments Sarkisian must make to regain competitive positioning after missing the College Football Playoff despite a 9‑3 regular season [5] [2].
6. Competing perspectives and limits of current reporting
Sources disagree about how much blame to place on Scott versus roster health and front‑office recruiting choices: some outlets describe the firing as inevitable due to statistical collapse, while others caution that injuries and prior recruiting decisions left Scott a compromised hand [1] [4] [2]. Available sources do not mention whether Scott was offered another role at Texas or any details of his exit terms beyond “parting ways” (not found in current reporting).
7. What to watch next
Watch for an official hire and for whether Texas targets a transfer running back or leans on the 2026 signees; reporting names Juluke and Wilson as immediate possibilities, and outlets expect Sarkisian to prioritize a coach with proven recruiting ties and NFL‑style development experience [1] [3] [7]. The staff changes will be judged next season against whether Texas returns to a top‑25 rushing attack or if the problems prove deeper than any single position coach [1] [4].
Limitations: this analysis uses only the provided reporting; salary, internal evaluations, or private conversations beyond what those reports detail are not available in the current sources (not found in current reporting).