Carl Reese’s impact wasn’t just statistical—it was cultural. He reshaped Texas defense, mentored generations of players, and left behind a blueprint for excellence. His defensive philosophy had a lasting influence on later Longhorn teams.

Jeff Madden says,

Condolences to the Texas Longhorns, former coaches, and players. I had the pleasure of working with Coach Bull Reese, an excellent coach, a remarkable person, and a tremendous competitor. It was always inspiring to watch him analyze opponents and quickly adapt to any new challenges they presented. He was a fantastic role model for younger coaches and took the time to teach the intricate wonders of football. He will undoubtedly be missed. Goodbye, my friend. The Lord has called you to help coordinate His team’s defense.

Mac McWhorter Jr.

I totally enjoyed coaching with Bull at UT. He was outstanding in every part of his life. R.I.P. my friend.

Carl “Bull” Reese was a pivotal figure in Texas Longhorns football history, especially during the Mack Brown era. Serving as defensive coordinator from 1998 to 2003, Reese transformed a struggling defense into one of the nation’s elite units. When he arrived, Texas ranked 104th in rushing defense and 85th in total defense. Under his leadership, the Longhorns posted five straight top-25 finishes in total defense, including a remarkable 236.2 yards allowed per game in 2001—their best mark since 1983.

Reese’s aggressive, attacking schemes helped lay the foundation for Texas’s eventual national championship run in 2005, even though he had departed by then. He was a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2001, recognizing the nation’s top assistant coach.

Carl “Bull” Reese left a powerful legacy in college football, especially during his tenure as defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns from 1998 to 2003. Here’s a breakdown of his most notable coaching achievements:
🏈 Defensive Transformation at Texas
Inherited a struggling defense: In 1997, Texas ranked 104th nationally in rushing defense and 85th in total defense.
Turned it into a powerhouse: Under Reese, Texas produced five straight Top 25 finishes in total defense.
2001 dominance: Texas led the NCAA in total defense, allowing just 236.2 yards per game—its best mark since 1983.
Broyles Award finalist: In 2001, Reese was recognized as one of the top assistant coaches in the nation.
Consistent excellence:

Carl “Bull” Reese left a powerful legacy in college football, especially during his tenure as defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns from 1998 to 2003. Here’s a breakdown of his most notable coaching achievements:

🏈 Defensive Transformation at Texas

• Inherited a struggling defense: In 1997, Texas ranked 104th nationally in rushing defense and 85th in total defense.

• Turned it into a powerhouse: Under Reese, Texas produced five straight Top 25 finishes in total defense.

• 2001 dominance: Texas led the NCAA in total defense, allowing just 236.2 yards per game—its best mark since 1983.

• Broyles Award finalist: In 2001, Reese was recognized as one of the top assistant coaches in the nation.

• Consistent excellence:

1999: 6th nationally in total defense (286.7 ypg)

• 2000: 7th nationally (278.3 ypg)

• 2002: 16th nationally (307.7 ypg)

🧠 Coaching Legacy Beyond Texas

• Over 40 years in coaching, including 31 years as a defensive coordinator across six schools and one USFL team.

• Known for aggressive, innovative schemes that turned leaky defenses into disciplined, hard-hitting units.

• Mentored countless athletes, emphasizing development and growth: “The main satisfaction in my job comes from watching young athletes develop into college football players,” Reese said in 2003.

Suzanne Halliburton

Loved Carl. He had a terrific defensive mind. Plus, he was accountable and self-deprecating, whether his guys played well or struggled. I think this was 03, after that hideous OU game. He showed up to answer all questions. To the best of my memory, he said the mood was “like going to the funeral of your favorite uncle, and you were the one who killed him.”

Bill Schoening

Coach Reese was a joy. He helped me understand schemes and alignments, and took the time to explain them. He made me a better football broadcaster! May he rest in peace.

Mack Brown Commemorates Passing of Former Texas Longhorns Coach

Story by Isabella Capuchino • 17h •

Having coached for 16 seasons with the Texas Longhorns, from 1998 to 2013, former head coach Mack Brown witnessed many changes in his coaching staff throughout the years.

However, on Thursday afternoon, Brown expressed the talent and expertise of a specific defensive coordinator, as he wrote a message on X to commemorate his former colleague, Carl “Bull” Reese, following the announcement of his passing on Thursday.

“Sad that we lost Carl ‘Bull’ Reese today,” Brown wrote. “One of the Best DC’s to ever do it. He will be missed! RIP!”

To honor Reese, let’s dive into the legacy he left behind at Texas.

Carl Reese was one of the best DC’s to ever do it

Texas Longhorns helmet on the sideline during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Texas Longhorns helmet on the sideline during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

© Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Born in 1943 and hailing from Springfield, Missouri, Reese was a fullback and linebacker himself, having played for the Missouri Tigers in the 1960s under head coach Dan Devine.

He served as a coach for over 40 seasons at various programs, and worked as a defensive coordinator for six different schools — including Missouri, LSU and Texas — across 31 years, as well as one United States Football League team.

Reese’s ties at Texas stem from Brown, who hired Reese on as his defensive coordinator and linebackers coach when he joined the Longhorns as head coach in 1998.

After joining Texas, Reese inherited a defense that ranked 104th nationally in rushing defense (241.5 ypg) and 85th nationally in total defense (399.2 ypg). However, he turned the defensive unit into a powerhouse, ending with a 59-18 overall record.

“Reese installed an innovative and aggressive attacking scheme that has catapulted Texas into a unit that has produced four consecutive national Top 16 total defense finishes,” Texas Athletics said on Coaches’ corner, published in August 2003.

Having served as their defensive coordinator for six seasons — from 1998 until 2003 — Reese wasn’t present for their championship season in 2005, but his legacy at Texas helped the Longhorns get there.

“It’s always good to get back to football. When we’re not in season, there is always stuff for a coach to do, but it’s never as fun as coaching the athletes,” Reese said in a 2003 interview for Coaches corner. “I love to be out on the field and watching the young guys improve. The main satisfaction in my job comes from working with young athletes and watching them develop into college football players.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/texas as Mack Brown Commemorates Passing of Former Texas Longhorns Coach.