The Texas Longhorns intimated changes were coming to their coaching staff after the disappointing 7-5 regular season record, and a big change apparently has come.
Defensive coordinator Todd Orlando has been fired.
Orange Bloods’ Anwar Richardson says co-defensive coordinator Craig Naivar is expected to take the position through the bowl game.
Texas football coach Tom Herman has fired Todd Orlando, according to my sources. From what I was told, Longhorn co-defensive coordinator Craig Naivar is expected to take Orlando’s position from now until the bowl game.
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) December 1, 2019
Orlando, 48, played linebacker at Wisconsin and has been a defensive college coach since 1996. He coached under Tom Herman at Houston for two seasons before moving to Texas when Herman got the Longhorns job.
Richardson says the complaints with Orlando ranged from scheme to player development to recruiting.
According to my sources, Todd Orlando didn't adjust his defensive scheme to suit the talent, players were not developed, and he was not a high level recruiter. Herman is looking to upgrade that position.
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) December 1, 2019
Richardson mentions former Rutgers head coach Chris Ash as a potential replacement for Orlando.
I hear former Rutgers coach Chris Ash is the top candidate to replace Todd Orlando. Ash and Herman worked together at Ohio State. Ash was the defensive coordinator.
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) December 1, 2019
Texas’ defense allowed 34 to Oklahoma, 48 points to Kansas, and 37 in a loss to TCU during a three-game stretch in the middle of the season where they went 1-2. The Longhorns rank 75th out of 130 teams with 28.9 points allowed per game.
