As was speculated here on SB Nation Dallas nearly 24 hours ago, Will Muschamp has accepted the head coaching job at the University of Florida.
Muschamp has served as the Longhorns' defensive coordinator the past three seasons and was labelled the head coach in waiting at Texas. Muschamp's contract with Texas included a clause that immediately gave him a five-year contract as head coach of the Longhorns once Mack Brown stepped down. Brown's contract runs through the 2016 season, meaning Muschamp would not have an opportunity to serve as the Longhorns head coach until the 2017 season if Brown honored the duration of his contract.
Urban Meyer's second resignation in a year as head coach of the Florida Gators prompted the coaching search by athletic director Jeremy Foley. Foley's search ended after extending a contract offer to Muschamp, making Muschamp the successor to Meyer. Meyer is expected to remain with the university to aid with recruiting, something that could help Muschamp get on his feet during his first head coaching job.
Muschamp can now be considered part of Bill Belichick's coaching tree. Muschamp became well known serving as part of Nick Saban's staff at LSU. Muschamp started out as linebackers coach under Saban before being named defensive coordinator of the Tigers. In 2003, Muschamp's defense helped lead the Tigers to the BCS Championship. Muschamp followed Saban to the NFL, serving as assistant head coach for defense in 2005 before leaving for Auburn in 2006 to accept their defensive coordinator position. Muschamp left Auburn in January of 2008 to become defensive coordinator of the Longhorns.
Mack Brown will now have his work cut out for him this winter, needing to hire both an offensive and defensive coordinator.