Texas Co-Defensive Coordinator Johnny Nansen Arrested for DWI, Suspended and Reinstated

A Rough Week Off the Field for the Longhorns

Just days after one of the most celebrated wins in recent Texas Longhorns football history, the program found itself dealing with an ugly off-field incident. Co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Johnny Nansen was arrested and charged with misdemeanor DWI, head coach Steve Sarkisian revealed during a Thursday media availability. The arrest cast a shadow over what had been a triumphant week in Austin.

On September 16, around 8:55 p.m., officers responded to a three-car crash in the 700 block of S. Capitol of Texas Highway. Officers contacted the driver of one of the cars, identified as 52-year-old Johnny Nansen. Nansen displayed signs consistent with possible impairment, police said. Officers conducted standard field sobriety tests and saw multiple clues of impairment, and Nansen was then arrested for DWI.

Sarkisian Addresses the Media, Program Acts Swiftly

Head coach Steve Sarkisian didn't dodge the topic when he faced reporters. "We had an unfortunate situation last evening. Coach Nansen was charged with a misdemeanor DWI," Sarkisian said. "We obviously are aware of the situation. 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." It was a measured but clearly uncomfortable statement from a coach who had just guided his team to a massive victory.

Nansen is charged with a Class B misdemeanor, and he served a one-game suspension during the home game against UTSA, with the potential for Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte to extend the suspension if necessary. Texas defensive analyst Garrett Cox was tapped to lead the linebacker room while Nansen served his suspension. Cox had followed Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to Austin after the two spent time together on staff with the Georgia Bulldogs.

The Legal Stakes and Nansen's Background

A Class B misdemeanor charge of DWI in Texas can carry a combination of criminal, financial, and administrative penalties. A conviction is punishable by a jail sentence of 72 hours up to 180 days, alongside a court fine of up to $2,000. The minimum sentence increases to six days if there is an open container of alcohol present in the vehicle. Those are serious legal consequences that extend well beyond the football field.

Nansen has been with Texas since 2024, serving under former defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. He was previously the defensive coordinator at Arizona after making stops as an assistant coach across the western part of the country at UCLA. The Texas linebacker room he oversees is headlined by Rasheem Biles and Justin Cryer, along with the versatile Brad Spence and multiple young depth pieces. His absence, even for a single game, was felt throughout the defensive unit.

Nansen Reinstated, But Legal Cloud Remains

Nansen was not on the sidelines for Saturday's 30-6 win over the UTSA Roadrunners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium while serving his one-game suspension. The Longhorns handled business without him, but the win did little to erase the broader concern surrounding the situation. According to head coach Steve Sarkisian, Nansen rejoined the staff on Sunday — today — as Texas prepares to travel to Knoxville to face No. 15 Tennessee in the team's SEC opener.

Sarkisian acknowledged the road ahead, saying, "Obviously, he's got some legal issues to work through and we'll monitor that as we go." That monitoring will be critical. With Texas entering conference play and facing a ranked opponent in Tennessee, the program needs its full coaching staff firing on all cylinders. How Nansen navigates the legal process — and whether the university decides additional discipline is warranted — will be a story worth watching as the season unfolds.