The Texas Longhorns football program has been in the national spotlight for all the right reasons over the past season, with head coach Steve Sarkisian leading the team back to prominence. However, a recent report suggests that behind the scenes, turmoil may have been brewing within the coaching staff. Allegations have surfaced that assistant coach Jeff Banks was responsible for leaking information regarding Sarkisian’s decision to let go of Terry Joseph, allegedly so that Banks could push for his own candidate, Duane Akina, to be named assistant head coach.
If true, this report paints a picture of internal strife and power struggles within the Texas coaching staff at a time when the program is attempting to solidify its status among college football’s elite.
The Allegations: A Power Play Gone Wrong?
The controversy stems from reports that Banks leaked inside information about Sarkisian’s coaching changes, specifically regarding defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator Terry Joseph’s departure. The leak allegedly occurred before an official announcement, sparking speculation about coaching tensions within the Texas staff.
While coaching staff changes are common in college football, the timing and nature of these reports have raised eyebrows. If Banks was indeed behind the leak, it suggests that he may have been attempting to manipulate the situation to his advantage—potentially positioning Duane Akina for a larger role within the program.
Akina, a respected defensive coach with a long history in college football, was a key figure in Texas’ secondary during the Mack Brown era and has since worked with elite defensive backs at multiple programs. His potential return in a prominent leadership role would be notable, but the way in which it allegedly came about has created controversy within the Longhorns’ inner circle.
Steve Sarkisian’s Response and Program Stability
So far, there has been no official comment from Steve Sarkisian or the Texas administration regarding these allegations. However, Sarkisian has always emphasized a unified coaching staff and a strong team culture. If the allegations are true, they could raise questions about trust and cohesion among his assistants, particularly as Texas prepares for a transition into the SEC—a move that will demand peak performance and stability from the entire staff.
Banks, a highly regarded special teams coordinator, has been a key piece of Texas’ recruiting and development efforts. However, if these leaks are confirmed, it could put his standing with the Longhorns in jeopardy. Trust is paramount in a program striving for championships, and internal dysfunction could be a distraction that Texas simply cannot afford.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for Texas?
Regardless of the truth behind these allegations, one thing is clear: the Longhorns are under immense pressure as they prepare for their SEC debut. The program has been building momentum, with strong recruiting classes and a CFP appearance in 2024, and distractions like these could derail that progress.
If Sarkisian wants to keep Texas on its upward trajectory, he must address these issues head-on. Whether that means clarifying the situation publicly, making internal staffing changes, or reinforcing a culture of unity, the Longhorns can’t afford to let coaching drama overshadow their championship aspirations.
For now, Texas fans will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds. Will Banks face repercussions? Will Sarkisian reaffirm his authority? And most importantly, can Texas maintain its momentum despite the off-field drama?
One thing is for sure—we’ve never seen a situation quite like this in Austin.