Report: Former Texas Longhorns DC Todd Orlando staying in Big 12

Texas Tech coach Matt Wells is turning to former Texas defensive coordinator Todd Orlando as a position coach. Another high-profile Longhorns assistant is also joining Keith Patterson’s staff in Lubbock.
Shehan Jeyarajah

Texas Tech football is adding a pair of high-profile defensive assistants to Matt Wells’ staff, according to a report from FootballScoop.

Former Texas defensive coordinator Todd Orlando is headed to Lubbock to serve as assistant head coach and linebacker coach. Keith Patterson, who is still expected to serve as the primary defensive play-caller, will shift to safeties. 

Craig Naivar, who served as interim defensive coordinator during the Longhorns' bowl win over Utah, is rumored to be joining the Texas Tech staff. However, no deal is yet in place. Texas Tech coaches Kerry Cooks and Julius Brown will not be retained, per the reports.

Orlando previous served as defensive coordinator under Wells during his time at Utah State. The Aggies went a combined 19-9 during that stretch, which helped make Orlando one of the hottest coordinator names in the country. Orlando left Utah State for Houston when Tom Herman took the job in 2015. He helped recruit five-star defensive lineman Ed Oliver to the Cougars.

However, Orlando was fired after a down 2019 season on the 40 Acres. The young defensive backs were especially poor, as the Longhorns ranked bottom 10 nationally in pass defense. New Texas defensive coordinator Chris Ash opted not to retain Naivar, a respected defensive assistant in this state. 

Texas Tech made notable gains on the defensive side of the ball during Patterson’s first season in Lubbock. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks is expected to be a high NFL draft pick after a breakout season.

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