Texas needed fresh perspective after a 5-7 season. The Longhorns will get more than they intended. Resignations, retirements and the fallout from Will Muschamp’s departure for Florida could leave Mack Brown without seven of his nine assistant coaches (The Texodus?), a potential disaster for both system continuity and recruiting. Where does Texas go from here?

There are no in-house replacements on defense. Duane Akina’s disastrous DC spell and demotion in 2007 precludes him from being promoted again. The preeminent candidate seems to be Randy Shannon, who was a candidate for the job in 2007. On paper he may be the ideal move.

Shannon is still only 44. He assembled a string of top 10 defenses at Miami. That, the number of players he has groomed for the NFL and his compelling personal story make him an ideal recruiter. Having been so recently fired by Miami, he’s not a flight risk. He can assume Muschamp’s role as linebackers coach as well. It would be nearly impossible to top Shannon’s age, experience and skill-set.

The answer on offense may still be on staff, if Brown can keep him. Major Applewhite hasn’t left for Florida yet, but he won’t remain in Texas as “a candidate to become offensive coordinator.” He’s held the position at two schools. He would also ensure the enrollment of five-star tailback Malcolm Brown.

Mack Brown is in an unenviable position. Actually, scratch that. He’s head coach at Texas. He makes more than $5 million per year. For 99.9999 percent of people, that’s enviable. These are tough decisions, but ones Brown, in that pay grade, should handle.

Hard to believe that only 12 months ago the Longhorns were preparing for the BCS Title Game.

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