In a move that has stirred excitement across the college football landscape, the Texas Longhorns have officially announced the return of one of their most iconic figures — Colt McCoy — as the program’s new Director of Player Development. The announcement marks a poignant homecoming for McCoy, a name synonymous with excellence, leadership, and legacy in Texas football history.
McCoy, a record-setting quarterback for the Longhorns from 2006 to 2009, remains one of the most decorated players to ever don the burnt orange. During his time at Texas, McCoy compiled a staggering 45-8 record as a starter, setting school and NCAA records along the way. He was a two-time Walter Camp Award winner and the 2008 Heisman Trophy runner-up. Most notably, he led the Longhorns to the BCS National Championship Game in January 2010, cementing his place as a program legend despite being sidelined early in the game due to injury.
Now, over a decade since his last collegiate snap and following a 13-year NFL career that included stints with the Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, and Arizona Cardinals, McCoy returns to Austin with a renewed purpose — to mentor and guide the next generation of Longhorn athletes.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian praised the hiring, calling McCoy “a symbol of what Texas football stands for — resilience, integrity, and excellence.” Sarkisian emphasized that McCoy’s experience as a player at both the collegiate and professional levels offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for current student-athletes.
In his role as Director of Player Development, McCoy will focus on helping players grow off the field — personally, academically, and professionally. This includes leadership training, career development, and support for navigating the challenges of collegiate athletics. McCoy, known for his quiet strength and spiritual leadership during his playing days, is expected to bring a steady presence and firsthand wisdom to the program.
“This is home for me,” McCoy said in a statement. “The University of Texas shaped me into the man I am today. To have the chance to give back and walk alongside these young men as they grow — that’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.”
For Texas fans and alumni, McCoy’s return is more than symbolic — it’s a full-circle moment, reconnecting the heart of Longhorn football with one of its most beloved sons.