Texas football and Steve Sarkisian were in urgent need of a defensive assistant following Blake Gideon’s departure to Georgia Tech. Now, Sarkisian has found a replacement by bringing in Rutgers cornerbacks coach Mark Orphey.
According to Anwar Richardson of Orangebloods, Orphey will take over for Gideon. This hire isn’t just about filling a vacancy—it’s also crucial for maintaining a key recruiting connection. Orphey, a North Shore alum, has strong ties to the Houston area, making him an ideal fit for the Longhorns.
Sarkisian recently committed to Texas with a contract extension in January, shutting down any potential NFL opportunities. Now, he’s made a significant defensive hire in February.
Orphey brings with him an impressive track record. He was part of a Rutgers defense that ranked 16th nationally in 2023, with a standout scoring defense. He also helped develop players like Max Melton, who was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, and Christian Braswell, who joined the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Before his time at Rutgers, Orphey worked at Alabama, where he was part of the 2021 staff that made it to the national championship game. He has also coached at Utah State, Montana State, and South Carolina, and got his start at Texas Southern in 2011.
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