Texas ex Blake Gideon joined the Longhorns coaching staff when Steve Sarkisian was hired in 2021 and led the secondary to become one of the best passing units in the nation.

Now, Gideon is headed to Georgia Tech to build his own defense.

Gideon is leaving Texas to become the Georgia Tech defensive coordinator, according to a report from 247Sports. The Yellow Jackets are seeking to replace Tyler Santucci, who left to join the Baltimore Ravens’ staff.

After the 2021 season, the Horns’ pass defense was ranked 62nd nationally. This past season, the Horns finished tied for seventh and allowed only nine passing touchdowns all season.

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Orangebloods confirmed the 247Sports report, and a source said, “It's definitely a loss. I think it's something that we have to rise to the occasion to fill.”

While losing Gideon is a blow to the Longhorns coaching staff, it’s a tremendous opportunity for the Texas ex and homegrown product from Leander.

Gideon was a four-time honorable mention All-Big 12 safety and two-time team captain under Mack Brown during his playing career in burnt orange. Gideon finished his career with 276 tackles, 10 interceptions, 20 pass break-ups, two sacks and a blocked punt.

Gideon is best known for dropping a potential interception at the end of the 2008 Texas Tech game. Had Gideon secured that ball, the Horns would have likely gone on to play for the national championship. As time passed, Gideon talked about how the play was a major learning lesson in both football and life.

As a coach, Gideon started as a quality control assistant at Florida in 2014 and got his first job as cornerbacks coach with Georgia State in 2017. He spent a year at Houston and another at Ole Miss before joining Sarkisian at Texas.

The Longhorns have done a tremendous job of keeping their coaching staff intact. Running backs coach Tashard Choice interviewed with the Dallas Cowboys about a similar role, but he’s staying and expected to get a pay bump.

Gideon’s role with Georgia Tech is a clear promotion and could serve as a major branch in Sarkisian’s head coaching tree.