Jul 12, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of the Texas Longhorns helmet and logo during Big 12 football media day at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
After completing a season at North Texas, Chris Gilbert is set to rejoin Austin, according to an announcement made on Wednesday, where he has been appointed as a special assistant to head coach Steve Sarkisian. Gilbert previously spent the two seasons leading up to 2023 with the Longhorns as the director of high school relations. In preparation for the 2023 season, he accepted the role of assistant head coach and tight ends coach at North Texas.
Leveraging his background in high school coaching, with experiences at South Oak Cliff, Terrell High, and Lancaster, Gilbert played a crucial role in helping Sarkisian establish connections with local programs, a facet that the previous regime had not prioritized. Sarkisian has consistently praised Gilbert’s contributions, highlighting his efforts in recruiting and fostering relationships with high school coaches, particularly emphasizing their significance in the state of Texas. Even during his time away from the program, Gilbert’s impact is acknowledged, with Sarkisian crediting him for his role in the Longhorns’ recent success, including their best season since 2009 and their transition to the SEC in 2024. The program’s elite-level recruiting is attributed, in part, to the foundation laid by Gilbert, showcasing his lasting influence on the Texas football program.
