Rank’Em: Head coaches throughout the history of the Texas Longhorns

Ranking the head coaches of the Texas Longhorns football program, one of the most storied and prestigious in college football, is no easy task. The Longhorns have been home to some of the game’s all-time greats, and their history is filled with successes, national championships, and legendary figures. The following list ranks the head coaches based on their overall success at Texas, taking into account wins, championships, impact on the program, and long-term legacy.

1. Darrell Royal (1957–1976)

Record: 167-47-5
Darrell Royal is, without a doubt, the most legendary coach in Texas Longhorns history. He built Texas into a national power during his 20-year tenure, leading the program to three national championships (1963, 1969, 1970). Royal is credited with revolutionizing college football by introducing the wishbone offense, which dominated the sport for years. His coaching legacy at Texas is untouchable, as he remains the standard against which all other coaches are measured.

Royal’s impact on the program was immeasurable. His ability to recruit talent and develop it into championship-caliber teams set the foundation for Texas football’s sustained success. During his tenure, the Longhorns never had a losing season, and Royal’s teams won 11 Southwest Conference titles. His legacy is so strong that his name is synonymous with Texas football, and his influence can still be felt in the program today.

2. Mack Brown (1998–2013)

Record: 158-48
Mack Brown’s reign at Texas was marked by unparalleled success in the modern era. Brown helped elevate the Longhorns back into the national spotlight after a brief period of mediocrity. Under his guidance, Texas won the 2005 National Championship, highlighted by a thrilling victory over USC in the Rose Bowl. Brown’s ability to recruit on a national scale helped Texas secure a roster full of future NFL stars, including Vince Young, who was instrumental in the team’s championship run.

While Brown’s tenure included a national title, it also saw consistent top-10 finishes, multiple Big 12 titles, and a 16-year stretch without a losing season. However, after a drop-off in performance in the early 2010s, Brown was let go, but his contributions to Texas football cannot be overstated. He brought sustained excellence and re-established Texas as a college football powerhouse.

3. Bob Stoops (Interim, 1991)

Record: 0-0
Although Stoops only served as Texas’ interim head coach for one game in 1991 following David McWilliams’ departure, his brief time as coach has historical significance. Stoops went on to become one of the most successful head coaches in the history of college football with Oklahoma, leading the Sooners to a national championship and establishing a dominant program. His success with Oklahoma and his ties to Texas make his brief time with the Longhorns notable.