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Vance Bedford Leaves Michigan to Return to Texas

Former Longhorns Defensive Coordinator Returns to Austin

Bedford Departs Maize and Blue After One Season

Vance Bedford, who spent the 2022 season as Michigan's defensive coordinator, is returning to the Texas Longhorns in the same role, the school announced Monday.

Bedford, 58, was the Longhorns' defensive coordinator from 2018-2020 before joining Michigan last offseason. He has also spent time as the defensive coordinator at Louisville, Memphis, and Indiana.

Bedford's departure comes as a bit of a surprise, as he was expected to return to Michigan for the 2023 season. However, he has a strong relationship with new Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, who was the Longhorns' offensive coordinator from 2017-2020.

Bedford's return to Texas is a significant development for the Longhorns, who finished the 2022 season with a 5-7 record. The Longhorns' defense struggled at times in 2022, allowing 32.2 points per game.

Bedford is a respected defensive coordinator with a track record of success. He will be tasked with turning around a Texas defense that has been one of the worst in the Big 12 in recent years.

What Bedford's Return Means for Michigan

Bedford's departure is a blow to Michigan's defense, which was one of the best in the country in 2022. The Wolverines allowed just 13.4 points per game, which was the second-lowest mark in the FBS.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh will now need to find a new defensive coordinator. He could promote from within, or he could look outside the program for a replacement.

One potential candidate is George Helow, who was Michigan's co-defensive coordinator in 2022. Helow has been with the Wolverines since 2017 and is a respected coach in his own right.

Another potential candidate is Chris Partridge, who is the head coach at Old Dominion. Partridge was the defensive coordinator at Michigan from 2015-2019 and is considered one of the top young coaches in the country.

What Bedford's Return Means for Texas

Bedford's return is a major boost for the Longhorns, who are looking to improve on their 5-7 record from 2022.

Bedford is a proven defensive coordinator with a track record of success. He will be tasked with turning around a Texas defense that has been one of the worst in the Big 12 in recent years.

Bedford's return also gives Sarkisian a familiar face on his staff. Sarkisian and Bedford worked together for four years at Texas and have a strong relationship.

Bedford's return is a significant development for Texas and could be the key to the Longhorns' success in 2023.