According to reports, Johnny Nansen, Texas’ co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor DWI following a three-vehicle crash in Austin. Head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the situation the next day, stressing that he was still gathering facts and choosing not to speculate.
“We had an unfortunate situation [Wednesday] evening,” Sarkisian said. “I’m still gathering facts. I’m still monitoring the situation. We’re obviously disappointed. But that’s all I really have on that at this time.”
For now, Nansen did not participate in Thursday’s practice, and the question of whether he will coach in the upcoming game against UTSA remains unresolved.
Details from the incident indicate the crash occurred around 8:55 p.m. on South Capital of Texas Highway, involving three vehicles. Police noted signs of impairment after interactions with Nansen and conducted field sobriety tests. He was arrested and booked on a Class B misdemeanor, a charge that can carry penalties including jail time and fines. He was later released on a personal recognizance bond the following morning.
Nansen is no stranger to Texas. He joined the program in 2024 after two years as Arizona’s defensive coordinator and has a long-standing coaching relationship with Sarkisian, having worked with him at Washington and USC in previous years. Earlier this season, Texas extended his contract through 2027 with a seven-figure annual salary. His role has remained significant, even as Will Muschamp took over as defensive coordinator and called the plays, with Nansen continuing as co-DC and inside linebackers coach.
This is a notable setback for a program that values discipline and accountability among its high-paid staffers. With Texas occupying the top spot in the college football rankings, the administration and fan base will be watching closely to see how the program handles the situation and whether any disciplinary steps are taken.
What’s next for the team is still unfolding. While Muschamp’s defense recently helped limit a top opponent’s scoring, practice on Thursday featured another facilitator for the linebackers, with a program analyst leading the group in preparation for the upcoming game. The coach’s comment remained consistent: more information would come as the ball game approached, and the focus would stay on the field.
Saturday’s matchup features Texas hosting UTSA. The Longhorns will aim to maintain their No. 1 ranking and capitalize on a recent high-profile win. Quarterback Arch Manning delivered a solid performance against Ohio State, completing 23 of 37 passes for 195 yards, with one touchdown and one interception, while adding 24 rushing yards. UTSA comes in fresh off a 31-26 win over Texas State, led by quarterback Owen McCown who threw for 214 yards and a touchdown without an interception, and a rushing attack led by Robert Henry.
As the program navigates this off-field issue, the primary focus remains on football: staying disciplined, executing at a high level, and preparing for a challenging stretch of the schedule. The outcome of the ongoing review and any potential discipline will likely become clear in the days ahead, but the top priority for the program continues to be winning games and maintaining the standards that have defined Texas football under Sarkisian.
