Texas Hires Mark Orphey as New Safeties Coach Following Blake Gideon’s Departure

The Texas Longhorns have officially filled a key spot on their defensive coaching staff. Mark Orphey, who previously coached cornerbacks at Rutgers, has been hired to take over as safeties coach under Steve Sarkisian. The move comes after Blake Gideon, Texas’ previous safeties coach, left the program to become the defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech.

This is a critical hire for Texas as they continue to build on their strong defensive foundation heading into the 2024 season and their first year in the SEC. Orphey brings a wealth of experience, a reputation as a strong recruiter, and a deep understanding of secondary play that will help the Longhorns as they transition to the nation’s most competitive conference.

Who is Mark Orphey?

Orphey is a rising star in the college coaching ranks, known for his ability to develop defensive backs and his recruiting ties across key regions. Before his time at Rutgers, he made stops at:

• Alabama (Defensive Analyst, 2021) – Worked under Nick Saban, helping to develop one of the top defensive back groups in the nation.
• Utah State (Cornerbacks Coach, 2019-2020) – Played a key role in building Utah State’s defensive backfield.
• Montana State (Defensive Backs Coach, 2018) – Helped Montana State’s secondary improve significantly in his lone season.
• South Carolina (Defensive Graduate Assistant, 2016-2017) – Developed his coaching style under Will Muschamp, one of the most respected defensive minds in college football.

Orphey’s most recent job at Rutgers (2022-2023) saw him take on the challenge of coaching a young but talented secondary in the Big Ten, where he helped improve the Scarlet Knights’ pass defense. His ability to develop defensive backs and recruit at a high level made him an appealing candidate for Sarkisian and the Longhorns.

Why This Hire Matters for Texas

Texas is coming off an impressive season where they made the College Football Playoff and played for a shot at the national title. As the Longhorns prepare for their move to the SEC, strengthening their defense—particularly their secondary—is a top priority.

Here’s why Orphey’s hire is significant:

1. SEC-Ready Defensive Coaching

The jump to the SEC means Texas will face elite passing attacks on a weekly basis. From Georgia to Alabama to LSU, every opponent brings a dangerous quarterback and playmakers at receiver.

Texas needs technically sound, disciplined defensive backs who can cover elite wideouts and prevent explosive plays. Orphey has been molded by coaching stops under Nick Saban and Will Muschamp, two of the best defensive minds in the sport. His experience will help Texas build a secondary capable of competing at the highest level.

2. Player Development Focus

One of Orphey’s greatest strengths is his ability to develop defensive backs. Texas already has a talented secondary group, but having a coach who can help refine their technique, improve their ball skills, and teach high-level coverage schemes will be invaluable.

Expect Orphey to help Texas’ safeties improve in man coverage, run support, and pre-snap recognition, which are crucial skills in SEC-style defenses.

3. Recruiting Boost

Texas has been making serious recruiting strides under Sarkisian, and adding Orphey strengthens their ability to attract top-tier defensive backs. His experience coaching at multiple Power 5 programs and his recruiting ties across the Southeast, Texas, and the Midwest will help Texas continue to land elite defensive talent.

With Texas moving to the SEC, competing for top defensive backs against Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Florida will be more important than ever. Orphey’s presence gives the Longhorns another strong recruiter to go head-to-head with the best in the country.

What This Means for Texas’ Secondary in 2024

Texas’ secondary was a strength last season, but they’ll need to reload and improve as they enter SEC play. With Blake Gideon gone, Orphey’s immediate job will be to evaluate the safeties group, identify strengths and weaknesses, and implement his coaching philosophy.

Key things to watch for in 2024:

• Can Texas’ safeties improve in coverage? The Longhorns will see elite quarterbacks in the SEC. Orphey’s job is to ensure the safeties can handle deep coverage responsibilities and avoid giving up big plays.
• Run support and tackling – SEC offenses are physical and fast. Orphey will need to ensure Texas’ safeties are strong tacklers and effective in run defense.
• Ball production – Texas ranked middle-of-the-pack in interceptions last season. Orphey’s emphasis on ball skills and turnovers could be a game-changer for the defense.

Final Thoughts: A Smart, Forward-Thinking Hire for Texas

With Texas entering the SEC, the margin for error gets smaller, and defensive play, particularly in the secondary, will be a major factor in their success. Mark Orphey is a young, energetic coach with a strong track record of development and recruiting, making him a great fit for Steve Sarkisian’s staff.

This hire reinforces Texas’ commitment to building an elite defense, and it gives the Longhorns a coach who can help them transition into SEC play with confidence. While replacing Blake Gideon’s experience will be a challenge, Orphey has all the tools to make an immediate impact in Austin.

Expect him to hit the ground running on the recruiting trail, in spring practices, and as he prepares Texas’ safeties for the challenges of the SEC. If he delivers, the Longhorns’ defense could take another big step forward in 2024, setting them up to compete for SEC titles and College Football Playoff berths for years to come.