Longhorns legend Colt McCoy returns home to Texas as senior coach in an effort to motivate the next generation and bring back championship glory.
In a move that has reignited excitement across Longhorn Nation, Colt McCoy—the storied Texas quarterback whose name is etched into the very fabric of the program—has returned to Austin, this time trading his helmet for a headset. Named a senior offensive analyst and leadership coach, McCoy brings with him not only a deep love for the University of Texas, but also a wealth of experience that spans over a decade in the NFL and a legacy of excellence under center for the burnt orange and white.
This is more than just a homecoming. It’s a statement of intent. Texas football, a program long craving a return to national dominance, is signaling that its next era will be built not just on five-star recruits and big-name coordinators, but on heart, identity, and culture. And few embody those qualities better than Colt McCoy.
For fans who watched McCoy play from 2006 to 2009, this news carries a nostalgic weight. McCoy was more than just a quarterback. He was the face of Texas football during an era when the Longhorns were perennial national contenders. Under head coach Mack Brown, McCoy led the Longhorns to a 45–8 record as a starter, the most wins by a quarterback in NCAA history at the time.
He guided Texas to a near-perfect season in 2009, only for his national title hopes to be dashed in the first quarter of the BCS Championship Game due to an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the contest. Still, McCoy’s leadership, humility, and competitiveness defined an era. He finished his college career with a staggering 13,253 passing yards and 112 total touchdowns. He was a two-time Heisman finalist and the 2008 Walter Camp Player of the Year.
Now, nearly 15 years after that unforgettable run, McCoy returns with a new mission: to help mold and inspire the next generation of Longhorns.
While McCoy won’t be calling plays or coaching quarterbacks directly, his presence within the building will be impossible to overlook. As a senior offensive analyst and leadership coach, McCoy is expected to work closely with both the coaching staff and players, offering insight into the mental and emotional side of the game, while reinforcing the kind of championship culture Texas is working to re-establish.
“I’ve been where these guys are,” McCoy said in his first media appearance after taking the position. “I’ve walked these halls, I’ve taken the field at DKR, and I know what it feels like to carry the hopes of this university. My goal isn’t to relive my past—it’s to help these young men write their own story and build something special together.”
The move has received a warm reception from the fanbase and current players alike. With head coach Steve Sarkisian entering a critical stretch for the program—coming off a College Football Playoff appearance and preparing for the school’s transition to the SEC—having a steady voice like McCoy’s in the room is a valuable asset.
Sarkisian spoke highly of the hire: “Colt brings an elite football mind, but more importantly, he brings a deep understanding of what it means to be a Longhorn. He’s someone our players respect, and he understands what it takes to win at the highest level.”
McCoy’s journey didn’t end in Austin. After being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2010, he carved out a long and respected career as a backup and spot starter in the NFL. He played for the Browns, 49ers, Washington, Giants, and Cardinals, known not for flashy numbers but for reliability, preparation, and veteran savvy.
He became the quintessential professional—beloved in every locker room he entered, often serving as a mentor to younger quarterbacks and a trusted sounding board for coaches. That experience, built over 13 years, is invaluable.
In returning to Texas, McCoy brings more than memories of his own playing days—he brings lessons forged in the NFL, from schematics to leadership to resilience.
“You don’t play 13 years in the league without learning how to prepare, how to bounce back from adversity, and how to be a great teammate,” McCoy said. “Those are the lessons I want to pass on.”
