IT
Inside Texas has heard only one name to replace Jeff Choate as Texas linebackers coach. That doesn't mean there aren't more coaches under consideration, or that this coach is a lock for the position, but we do believe Arizona defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen is Steve Sarkisian's first choice to replace Choate.
Of note:
- Nansen has worked under Sark at Washington and USC
- Nansen played linebacker in college but has coached multiple positions in his career
- He has been very successful in his short time as a DC at Arizona
- He has a very strong reputation as a recruiter, particularly out West where Texas would love to strength its recruiting grip
- Nansen was born in Samoa and lived in American Samoa before moving to America as a teenager
Potential hurdles?
- He's currently the DC and play caller at Arizona. Would he take a demotion even if it came with a significant pay raise? He currently makes $750,000 but would surely enter the million dollar club on Texas' staff. There's always the potential Arizona would re-up to a satisfactory level
- What's his best route to becoming a head coach, assuming that's his goal? That could be a pro or con for Texas' chances. Time with Sark to better understand how to navigate the current climate would be seen as a pro
One thing's for sure, Nansen and Sark are close. Sark elevated Nansen from coaching obscurity when Nansen was at Idaho. Because of his ability to recruit, Sark made sure to find roles for Nansen on his staff.
With Texas going to the SEC and Arizona sentenced to the Big 12, that would be another reason for Nansen to seriously consider the move.
We'll have much more on this if circumstances warrant. Our info points to Nansen being the top candidate on the board to replace Jeff Choate.