Duane Akina played an integral role in leading Arizona to an Alamo Bowl victory and its first 10-win season in nearly a decade in 2023. And his decision to remain in Tucson after the Wildcats’ coaching shake up was likely a large factor for why so many players decided to stay in Tucson for the 2024 season. But after spending the last two years in the Old Pueblo, Akina is on the move again. 247Sports.com is reporting that Duane Akina is reportedly leaving Arizona to coach the secondary at Texas.
Duane Akina replaces Terry Joseph, who left the Texas to become the secondary coach and defensive passing game coordinator for the New Orleans Saints. This will be Akina’s second stint in Austin, after serving as an assistant coach from 2001-2013. During that time, Akina coached defensive backs, and was also an associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator. Akina will also reunite with former Arizona defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen, who currently serves as the Longhorns co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach.
Duane Akina, on his third stint with Arizona, was set to coach his 15th season for the Wildcats in 2025. He began his coaching career in Tucson in 1987 as the UA’s defensive backs coach under Dick Tomey, and also served as offensive coordinator from 1992-1995. After leading the Wildcats’ defense in 2024, Akina planned to return to coaching the secondary in 2025, with Danny Gonzales promoted to defensive coordinator.
After making a number of changes to the staff, including bringing offensive coordinator Seth Doege, defensive line coach Joe Salave’a, and tight ends coach Josh Miller, Brent Brennan will now have to fill another opening. If the Wildcats elect to look internally, Brett Arce or Chip Viney could move into an elevated roll to support the secondary.