The Texas Longhorns will likely see some familiar faces next season when the Horns travel to Lubbock to face off against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, as multiple reports on Wednesday indicated that former Texas defensive coordinator Todd Orlando is expected to reunite with Texas Tech head coach Matt Wells.
FootballScoop.com believes that Orlando will serve as the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach under Keith Patterson, a move that makes sense since Orlando served as the defensive coordinator for Wells in 2013 and 2014 at Utah State. However, other subsequent reporting defined Orlando’s role as the assistant head coach rather than co-defensive coordinator.
The school confirmed Orlando’s addition as the assistant head coach and linebackers coach shortly after the news broke.
Orlando might not be the only former Longhorns assistant heading to Lubbock — FootballScoop.com is also reporting that Craig Naivar will join the Texas Tech staff, too, likely as the cornerbacks coach.
For the last five seasons, Orlando and Naivar have worked together, first at Houston and then at Texas. Orlando was dismissed in Austin after a regular season that saw the Texas defense struggle significantly, with Naivar taking over as the interim defensive coordinator for the Alamo Bowl.
News also broke on Wednesday that Naivar won’t be retained at Texas.