The Texas Longhorns football program has reportedly hired Mark Orphey as their new safeties coach, succeeding Blake Gideon, who departed to become the defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech.
Background and Coaching Experience
Mark Orphey, a Houston native, brings a wealth of experience to the Longhorns’ coaching staff. He began his coaching career at Texas Southern, his alma mater, where he served as the cornerbacks coach. Orphey then moved to South Carolina, earning his master’s degree while working as a quality control assistant and graduate assistant from 2013 to 2016. His subsequent coaching positions include stints at Montana State (2017-2018), Utah State (2019-2020), and a senior defensive analyst role at Alabama in 2021. Most recently, he served as the cornerbacks coach at Rutgers for the past three seasons.
Coaching Philosophy and Achievements
At Rutgers, Orphey was instrumental in developing a formidable pass defense. Under his guidance, the Scarlet Knights achieved a 7-6 record in 2024, securing victories over teams such as Michigan State, Washington, and Virginia Tech. Rutgers finished the season ranked No. 38 in defensive SP+. Notably, Orphey’s coaching contributed to the development of players like Christian Braswell, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Max Melton, who was chosen in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
Impact on Texas Longhorns
Orphey’s appointment is expected to strengthen the Longhorns’ defensive backfield. He inherits a talented safeties group, including All-American Michael Taaffe, who returns for his senior season. Additionally, players like Jelani McDonald, who gained valuable experience during the 2024 season, and Derek Williams Jr., who is set to return from a knee injury, will benefit from Orphey’s expertise. Incoming freshman Jonah Williams, a five-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle, further enhances the depth of the safeties unit.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian’s decision to hire Orphey reflects a commitment to bolstering the Longhorns’ defensive capabilities as they aim for continued success in the upcoming season.
