Texas DB Coach Terry Joseph Leaves for New Orleans Saints Role

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Longhorns defensive backs coach Terry Joseph is leaving the program to join the New Orleans Saints as a defensive assistant, according to multiple reports on Monday.

After three seasons in Austin, Joseph returns to his hometown to pursue his first position in the NFL. He joined Texas in 2021 as the defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach. His departure comes as head coach Steve Sarkisian faces the challenge of filling yet another coaching vacancy this offseason.

Joseph’s tenure at Texas has been marked by impressive achievements within the secondary. In 2023, cornerback Jahdae Barron emerged as a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist, leading the Longhorns with 61 tackles, including 32 solo and 4.5 tackles for loss. He also recorded one interception, a forced fumble, and a career-high six pass breakups. Under Joseph’s guidance, the Longhorns’ defense ranked 10th nationally in interceptions, totaling 16, with several players, including Terrance Brooks, Jerrin Thompson, and Michael Taaffe, contributing three picks each.

Prior to his stint at Texas, Joseph spent three seasons at Notre Dame, where he was instrumental in the team’s back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, contributing to a remarkable 33-5 record during his tenure. He has also coached at North Carolina, Texas A&M, Nebraska, and Tennessee, developing several NFL-caliber defensive backs along the way.

“Terry has done great things here at Texas,” Sarkisian said. “His ability to develop players and impact our recruiting efforts has been paramount to our success.”

Joseph is credited with transforming the Longhorns secondary into one of the nation’s best, leading Texas to rank first in the country in various defensive metrics, including yards allowed per pass attempt, touchdowns surrendered, and interceptions. His recruiting prowess helped Texas secure top prospects like Kobe Black and Derek Williams, along with quarterback Arch Manning.

As Joseph departs, defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkoski remains the only original member of Sarkisian’s coaching staff at Texas. Joseph’s exit marks the third assistant coach to leave this offseason, following running backs coach Tashard Choice’s hiring by the Detroit Lions and safeties coach Blake Gideon’s appointment as defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech.

The Longhorns’ secondary was pivotal in their performance during the 2024 season, which included appearances in the SEC Championship game and the College Football Playoff semifinal. The team led the SEC and ranked among the top defenses in the country in several key categories. Barron, along with fellow safety Michael Taaffe, is projected to be picked in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Joseph, an all-conference selection at Northwestern State, was also a 13th-round MLB Draft pick who played four seasons in professional baseball before transitioning to coaching. His extensive coaching career spans multiple NCAA programs and has been characterized by developing elite players for the professional ranks.

With Joseph’s departure, the Texas coaching staff is left with significant openings to fill as they prepare for the upcoming season and continued success in the SEC.