Austin, TX – June 17, 2025 – In a monumental development that has sent seismic waves across the evolving landscape of college football coaching, Texas Longhorns Assistant Coach and Defensive Passing Game Coordinator Duane Akina has reportedly turned down a staggering $34 million offer from the Oklahoma Sooners. Akina’s decision to remain in Austin solidifies his unwavering commitment to the Longhorns under Head Coach Steve Sarkisian, while simultaneously dealing a significant strategic blow to Oklahoma’s efforts to fortify its defensive leadership ahead of their highly anticipated move to the SEC.
Duane Akina, a name synonymous with elite defensive back play and a revered figure in college football coaching circles, returned to the Texas Longhorns in March 2025 as Defensive Passing Game Coordinator and Safeties Coach. His current two-year contract with Texas is valued at $825,000 for the 2025 season and $850,000 for 2026, a significant sum for a position coach. However, the reported offer from the Oklahoma Sooners, a multi-year deal totaling an astonishing $34 million, would have propelled Akina into an unprecedented financial tier for a college assistant, typically reserved for top-tier offensive and defensive coordinators or even Group of Five head coaches.
Sources with direct knowledge of the intense negotiations, who requested anonymity to discuss confidential coaching matters, confirmed that the Oklahoma Sooners, led by Head Coach Brent Venables, mounted an exceptionally aggressive and financially overwhelming pursuit of Akina. With Oklahoma set to join the SEC, enhancing their defensive staff with proven, elite talent was a top priority. While the Sooners currently have Joe Jon Finley coaching tight ends and Jay Valai as Assistant Head Coach for Defense and Co-Defensive Coordinator/Cornerbacks & Nickelbacks, the considerable offer to Akina suggests that Oklahoma was aiming to secure his unparalleled expertise in defensive back development and pass defense strategy in a potentially expanded or more centralized role, perhaps even as a primary defensive coordinator.
Akina’s coaching career spans over 46 years, marked by a consistent ability to produce elite defensive backs and contribute to highly effective pass defenses. He is celebrated for having coached three Jim Thorpe Award winners (recognizing the nation’s best defensive back) and nurturing 41 defensive backs who went on to play in the NFL, including seven Pro Bowlers. His most impactful tenure was his initial 13-season stint with Texas from 2001-2013, during which he helped guide the Longhorns to the 2005 National Championship. He also had significant roles at Arizona (where he served multiple roles, including defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator across two stints) and Stanford. Akina’s return to Texas was lauded as a strategic move to infuse his deep institutional knowledge and legendary defensive back coaching into Sarkisian’s staff.
Akina’s decision to reject such an astronomical financial package from a fiercely competitive rival speaks volumes about his conviction in the Texas Longhorns program’s direction, his strong ties to the university, and potentially, a comfort level within the coaching environment in Austin. In an era where coaching mobility is at an all-time high and lucrative financial incentives often drive decisions, Akina’s choice highlights that factors beyond pure monetary gain—such as personal fulfillment, a desire to build a legacy, and loyalty to a specific program—continue to hold significant weight for veteran coaches.
For the Texas Longhorns, retaining Duane Akina is an enormous strategic victory. His legendary status as a defensive back guru provides invaluable stability and an immediate recruiting advantage, particularly as Texas transitions into the SEC. Akina’s presence ensures that the Longhorns’ secondary, a critical component of any successful defense, will continue to receive elite instruction and development. This retention sends a powerful message to recruits, current players, and the loyal Longhorn fanbase that the coaching staff is unified and committed to competing at the highest level in the SEC. It underscores the “This is Home” mantra that resonates deeply within the Texas football program.
For the Oklahoma Sooners, missing out on Akina, especially after making such a monumental financial investment, is a notable setback in their defensive restructuring plans. While Head Coach Brent Venables is renowned for his defensive acumen, the aggressive pursuit of Akina indicates a clear intent to bring in additional, specialized talent to their defensive staff ahead of their SEC debut. Oklahoma will now likely need to re-evaluate its options or intensify its focus on developing its existing coaching personnel to achieve its defensive goals in the demanding SEC.
The reported $34 million offer itself underscores the escalating financial “arms race” that continues to define collegiate football coaching. Programs are increasingly willing to pay unprecedented amounts to secure and retain top-tier coordinators and position coaches, recognizing their direct correlation to on-field success, recruiting advantages, and overall program trajectory in a highly competitive environment.
As the 2025 college football season approaches, Duane Akina’s decision to remain with the Texas Longhorns solidifies their defensive leadership and provides a significant boost of confidence. His continued presence ensures continuity and a commitment to defensive excellence, a factor that will undoubtedly contribute to the Longhorns’ efforts to climb the competitive ladder of the SEC, with their legendary coach leading the charge in the defensive backfield.
