Austin, TX — In a move that has thrilled Longhorns fans across the country, the University of Texas has announced that former star quarterback Chris Simms will return to the program as the new Assistant Head Coach. The decision marks a full-circle moment for Simms, who famously led the Longhorns from 2000 to 2002 and left an enduring legacy in Austin.
Simms, the son of former NFL MVP Phil Simms, joined Texas in 1999 as one of the nation’s top quarterback recruits. He took over the starting job in 2000, navigating high expectations and leading the team to several major victories over his career. Simms finished his college career with 7,097 passing yards and 58 touchdown passes, placing him among the top quarterbacks in Texas history at the time.
After his time at Texas, Simms was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2003 NFL Draft. He spent several years in the NFL, with stints at the Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, and Denver Broncos before transitioning into a successful broadcasting career with NBC Sports.
Now, after years away from the field, Simms is returning to where his football journey truly began. In a press conference on Saturday morning, Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian praised Simms as “a brilliant football mind, a fierce competitor, and someone who understands the tradition and pride that come with wearing burnt orange.”
“Chris’s experience both on the field and in the media world gives him a unique perspective that will be invaluable to our team,” Sarkisian said. “He knows what it means to represent Texas at the highest level. We are beyond excited to welcome him home.”
For Simms, the opportunity to coach at his alma mater is deeply personal. “Texas has always held a special place in my heart,” he said during his introductory press conference. “The lessons I learned here shaped not just my career but who I am as a person. I’m honored and grateful to have the chance to give back to the program that gave me so much.”
Simms’s role will be multifaceted. As Assistant Head Coach, he will work closely with Sarkisian on game planning, quarterback development, and recruiting. His national profile and connections across both professional and college football are expected to boost Texas’s already strong recruiting efforts.
Fans and former teammates were quick to voice their support for the move on social media, with many expressing excitement over the prospect of a Longhorn legend helping to lead the next generation. Vince Young, Simms’s former teammate and fellow Texas icon, posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Welcome back, Chris! Longhorn Nation is stronger with you back in the family.”
Simms’s return comes at a pivotal moment for Texas, as the Longhorns prepare for their highly anticipated move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) next season. With new challenges on the horizon, having a familiar and trusted figure like Simms on the coaching staff could prove crucial.
As Simms himself put it, “We’re not just trying to make noise — we’re trying to make history.”
