Former Michigan State defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton will join the Texas staff in a support role, Inside Texas reported Thursday. (Update: FootballScoop can confirm the move.)
The site reports Hazelton's role will be similar to that of Gary Patterson, who was special assistant to head coach Steve Sarkisian for the 2022 season. "When we park in the parking lot, I park as far back in the parking lot as I can, where everybody understands (what I'm there to do,)" Patterson said at the time.
Hazelton spent the past four seasons as the defensive coordinator at Michigan State. Collateral damage in the Mel Tucker firing, Hazelton was not retained by new MSU head coach Jonathan Smith.
Prior to Michigan State, Hazelton coordinated defenses at Kansas State (2019), Wyoming (2017-18), Nevada (2013), North Dakota State (2010-11), Missouri Southern State (2004-05), and Fort Lewis College (1999), his alma mater. Hazelton also spent a year as USC's linebackers coach, though his time in Heritage Hall did not overlap with Sarkisian.
Thanks to changes voted in by the NCAA this week, Hazelton (and others) will now be permitted to coach players directly during practices and games.
Texas also hired longtime scout Bill Rees in a remote personnel role earlier this week.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.