Earlier this week, Texas co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Johnny Nansen was arrested and charged with a DWI, a Class B misdemeanor.
Now, Nansen is expected to serve a one-game suspension, missing the Longhorns' Week 3 matchup against the UTSA Roadrunners.
Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte could determine that the suspension needs to be extended past one week, but he has yet to comment on the matter.
The incident took place in Austin, and the local police department reported that "On September 16, 2026, at 8:55 p.m., Austin Police (APD) officers responded to a reported three-vehicle crash in the 700 block of S. Capital of Texas Hwy NB. Officers contacted the driver of one of the vehicles, identified as 52-year-old Johnny Nansen, who displayed signs consistent with possible impairment."
"Officers conducted standardized field sobriety tests and observed multiple clues of impairment. Nansen was subsequently arrested for DWI, a Class B misdemeanor."
The following morning, head coach Steve Sarkisian released the news of Nansen's arrest, sharing that the program was "very disappointed and monitoring the situation."
The eyes of Texas are on Garrett Cox as he leads linebackers
While Nansen has been away from the program, senior defensive analyst Garrett Cox has stepped in to lead the linebackers and is expected to fill that role on Saturday during the game. Many insiders see the opportunity as an audition for Cox to take the position full-time by next season, noting his close relationship with defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.
"I wouldn't be surprised if Cox is the full-time LB coach next season. That's Muschamp's dude," one source told OrangeBloods' Cody Carpentier.
Cox previously worked under Muschamp when he was the defensive coordinator for the Georgia Bulldogs.
However, the arrest and subsequent suspension are not believed to factor into the possibility of Cox taking over the linebacker room.
"I did not get the sense that the arrest would lead to a lengthy suspension or impact Nansen’s current employment status. The staff was disappointed to learn of the arrest, but the plan is for Nansen to be on the sidelines when Texas faces Tennessee next Saturday," Texas insider Anwar Richardson reported.
So, while Nansen won't be on the sidelines in Week 3 as the Longhorns take on the Roadrunners, he is expected to make the trip to Knoxville when Texas plays the Tennessee Volunteers in Week 4.
Sarkisian hired Nansen in 2024, adding him to his defensive staff under then-DC Pete Kwiatkowski, but kept him as part of the program after the Horns parted ways with Kwiatkowski and hired Muschamp in his place.
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