Who's to come in Muschamp's vacancy?

AUSTIN (KXAN) - University of Florida Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin seems to be the focus when it comes to who's going to be taking over the reins now that former University of Texas Defensive Coordinator Will Muschamp has left Longhorn country for The Swamp .

As Muschamp takes his place as head coach for the Florida Gators with Urban Meyer's stepdown following a 7-5 season, the question now comes to who will take the coveted seat as the Longhorns' defensive coordinator -- no doubt with some big shoes to fill.

Orangebloods.com is reporting sources indicate the Longhorns are set to hire Austin to take over the defensive planning, which in the past has churned out rankings in the nation's top 10 under Muschamp.

The website -- an independently operated news source not affiliated with any school or team -- said while information has been tight, there was a break Tuesday, "as sources close to the situation have confirmed to Orangebloods.com that contact between Mack Brown and possibly departing Florida defensive coordinator Teryl Austin have taken place."

In addition, a Twitter profile for freshman Gator quarterback Tyler Murphy had a post early Wednesday morning that read, "Coach Austin is now DC at the University of Texas."

However, UT Athletics Department officials have not confirmed anything amid the media buzz surrounding the possible Gator and UT swap, adding that there has been no offer from UT Head Coach Mack Brown.

Austin has only had one season with the Gators after being hired in mid-February, switching gears from the NFL to the NCAA. He came from the Arizona Cardinals as a defensive backs coach for two years, followed by his three-year gig with the Seattle Seahawks.

Austin has 19 years of coaching experience under his belt, and he helped lead both teams into the Super Bowl as NFC Champions.

Coaching experience

• 1999-2002 Michigan (Defensive backs coach)
• 1996-98 Syracuse (Defensive backs coach)
• 1993-95 Wake Forest (Defensive backs coach)
• 1991-92 Penn State (Graduate assistant)

The Longhorns have seen their leadership team shake up in the last week, first with former Offensive Coordinator Greg Davis' resignation -- along with two other coaching resignations -- and then with Muschamp's leave to Gator Nation on Saturday. The big announcements came only five days apart.

While Davis' resignation came days after widespread speculation, Muschamp's announcement came more like the Grinch who stole Christmas for many Longhorns fans who became fond of the sideline firecracker.

Muschamp often busted out big defensive plays, familiarly followed by his explosive reactions. Known for his unrestrained, animated coaching spirit during the games, Muschamp is a crown jewel those who bleed orange are reluctant to see leave.

His leave came as an even bigger surprise to most because of the assumption that his $900,000 head-coach-in-waiting agreement with UT would have him anchored here for when Brown resigned.

It was an agreement that not only boosted his salary significantly -- making him the nation's highest-paid assistant coach -- but one that also had the overwhelming stamp of approval from Longhorns fans when it happened in mid-November 2008.

"I think you get only so many opportunities to keep somebody like that," said Longhorn fan Warren Cowley back when the announcement was made.

"Will Muschamp is one of the best defensive coordinators in the country," said UT student Sam Fenwick in November 2008. "I mean, pay him $900,000, pay him $3,000,000, I mean whatever you got to do, that guy needs to stay in Austin."

The Swamp is now what Muschamp will call home, and only a bowl game will reunite Muschamp and his former team -- though it'll be in much different roles.