Another Longhorns assistant leaves for NFL job, 'DBU' architect to reportedly replace him

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Another Texas Longhorns assistant coach is headed to the NFL.

Terry Joseph, the Longhorns' defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach, is taking a similar role with the New Orleans Saints. He joined the Longhorns' staff in 2021 after spending three seasons at Notre Dame.

Joseph's impact on the program was obvious, particularly in the past two seasons with the improvement of the secondary. This season, Texas led the nation in passing yards allowed per game. Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron, a projected first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft, said on X that Joseph "changed my life."

Joseph is from New Orleans and joins a Saints staff with new head coach Kellen Moore.

Multiple reports say the Longhorns have already found a replacement for Joseph. Anwar Richardson with OrangeBloods was the first to report that Duane Akina will return to the 40 Acres. He'd been coaching with the Arizona Wildcats since 2023 but was part of an era of the Longhorns affectionately known as "DBU" because of all the great defensive backs that went to the NFL. He coached under Mack Brown from 2001-13.

Joseph is the third Texas assistant to move on this offseason and the second to get an NFL job. Running backs coach Tashard Choice left to take the same job with the Detroit Lions while safeties coach Blake Gideon is now the defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech. Texas has reportedly hired Mark Orphey from Rutgers to fill Gideon's position.