Home Sweet Home: Vince Young Returns to Texas Longhorns as Quarterbacks Coach
AUSTIN, Texas — In a moment that Longhorn Nation will never forget, a Texas football legend is coming home.
The University of Texas announced today that Vince Young, the iconic quarterback who led the Longhorns to their most memorable national championship victory in 2006, is returning to the Forty Acres — this time as the quarterbacks coach for Steve Sarkisian’s staff.
Young’s return is more than just a sentimental reunion. It’s a statement — a declaration that the Longhorns are embracing their storied past while building an ambitious future.
“This is home,” said Young during the official press conference held at the Frank Denius Fields. “Texas is where I became a man, where I experienced the greatest highs of my football life, and now I get to give back by coaching the next generation of Longhorn quarterbacks. It’s a full-circle moment I’ve always dreamed of.”
A Longhorn Legend
For fans of Texas football, Vince Young needs no introduction. A two-time Rose Bowl MVP, 2005 Maxwell Award winner, and a consensus All-American, Young’s legacy was immortalized during the 2006 Rose Bowl when he led Texas to a thrilling 41-38 win over USC in what is still considered one of the greatest games in college football history.
That game — sealed with Young’s iconic 4th-and-5 touchdown run — delivered Texas its first national title in 35 years and cemented his status as one of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks in NCAA history.
Now, nearly two decades later, Young will return to Austin not as a player, but as a mentor tasked with developing the next generation of signal-callers in burnt orange.
Sarkisian’s Bold Addition
Head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has long been praised for his offensive acumen and quarterback development, called the hiring of Young a “powerful cultural move” for the program.
“Vince is more than just a former great,” Sarkisian said. “He’s a winner. He understands what it means to wear the Longhorn jersey, to carry the expectations of this program, and to perform at the highest level. His experience and energy are going to be invaluable in that quarterback room.”
Young will replace former quarterbacks coach AJ Milwee, who departed this offseason to pursue an offensive coordinator opportunity in the SEC.
Player Development with Passion
Though Young has never held an on-field coaching position at the FBS level, he has remained deeply involved in the game. He previously worked in player development for Texas, mentored young quarterbacks across the country, and served as an ambassador for the program during recruiting cycles. His understanding of the position, especially in a modern game that increasingly values mobile, dual-threat quarterbacks, makes him uniquely equipped to connect with today’s players.
“He’s not just a name,” said junior quarterback Arch Manning, who is expected to compete for the starting role in 2025. “Coach VY has already helped me understand things from a player’s point of view. He’s been through it. He’s been me — under the lights at DKR, with the whole state watching. It means everything to have him in our corner.”
Manning also noted that Young’s attention to detail, calm demeanor, and storytelling ability bring a different kind of edge to the quarterbacks room.
“He tells us stories about USC, but he also breaks down tape like a coach who’s been doing this for years,” Manning added.
Recruiting Impact
Beyond the Xs and Os, Young’s return is already making waves in recruiting circles. Known for his charisma, deep Texas roots, and unparalleled credibility among prep athletes, Young is expected to be a major asset on the recruiting trail — particularly in the Lone Star State.
“There’s not a high school kid in Texas who doesn’t know the name Vince Young,” said recruiting analyst Gerry Hamilton of On3 Sports. “When VY walks into a living room, he’s walking in with a national title ring and the respect of an entire generation. That kind of presence is hard to match.”
Young’s hiring could also solidify Texas’s push to become the destination for top-tier quarterback recruits, especially as the program transitions into the heart of its SEC journey.
From Player to Coach: The Journey
Young’s path to coaching hasn’t always been straightforward. After a six-year NFL career that included a Pro Bowl appearance and a tumultuous run with multiple franchises, Young faced personal and professional setbacks. Yet through it all, he remained connected to the sport and the university that helped shape him.
He returned to Texas in various ambassadorial and development roles, worked in community outreach, and even dabbled in business ventures — but the football field always called him back.
“It took time to figure out where I belonged after my playing days,” Young said. “But one thing that never changed was my love for the game and my love for Texas. Now I get to combine both — and do it every day.”
Fan Reaction and Cultural Resonance
The response from Longhorn Nation has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media erupted with excitement following the announcement, with former players, fans, and even rival coaches praising the hire.
“I’ve been waiting years to see VY back on the sideline in Austin,” tweeted former Texas running back Cedric Benson’s family foundation. “This is the kind of move that restores the soul of the program.”
Meanwhile, Longhorn fans at the Co-op on Guadalupe Street were already lining up to buy new Vince Young coaching shirts — with one fan calling it “the best hire since Mack Brown.”
Looking Ahead
As Texas prepares for a pivotal 2025 season in its second year in the SEC, the pressure to win has never been higher. The arrival of Young brings a fresh sense of hope, nostalgia, and fire to a program poised to make a serious run at the College Football Playoff.
“Texas football has always been about pride, passion, and playing for something bigger than yourself,” Young said in his closing remarks. “That’s what I want our quarterbacks to feel every time they step on the field. If they do, everything else will take care of itself.”
With Vince Young back in Austin, Texas football may just be stepping into a new golden era — led by one of its brightest legends.
