Chuck Carlton relays word that Texas defensive backs coach Duane Akina is headed to Arizona in a lateral move. This is a curious one, as Mack Brown cleared most of his expected openings quickly after the end of the Longhorns' season. Texas has not commented on whether some sort of issue with Akina involving Manny Diaz, Brown's hire as defensive coordinator, or whether the move had been weeks in coming. Akina had at one time been co-DC at Texas.
Texas now looks to replace Akina, as well as Mack McWhorter in the offensive line. The move does give Diaz much more of a blank slate to craft his defense without entrenched philosophies crowding his message.
Peter Bean of Burnt Orange Nation raises the question of how this might impact recruiting.
↵↵↵Akina's remaining on the staff was critical in helping to stabilize the 2011 recuiting class, and his departure now raises questions about a number of kids who were coming to play under the coach who sent guys like Earl Thomas, Aaron Ross, and Michael Griffin to the NFL, among others.
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