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Former NFL special teams coach Joe DeCamillis joining Texas coaching staff, report says

DeCamillis will reportedly step into Gary Patterson’s vacated role.

Two months ago, Gary Patterson announced that he was stepping away from his spot on the Texas coaching staff. Steve Sarkisian reportedly has a replacement.

Former NFL special teams coach Joe DeCamillis will join Sarkisian’s staff as special assistant to the head coach, according to Chip Brown of Horns247. DeCamillis has extensive experience at the professional level, working with special teams units from 1993-2022. He was the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator from 2009-12.

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DeCamillis’ time in Dallas was marked by a practice facility collapse during a thunderstorm in May 2009 that left him with a broken neck. About 70 people were inside the facility. Twelve were injured.

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DeCamillis got a $9.5 million settlement, which included cash and benefits, following the accident from companies responsible for building the tent-like structure. In 2018, DeCamillis told The Associated Press that he still had physical issues that stemmed from the incident.

“Still feel the effects from it,” he said. “I’m going to deal with it every day of my life. It’s just part of my life and hopefully I came out of it a better person. Sometimes you have adversity that happens and hopefully you find a way to deal with it.”

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DeCamillis recently spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, helping the team win Super Bowl LVI.

Brown’s report also states that DeCamillis will share ideas with Texas tight ends coach and special teams coordinator Jeff Banks.

Patterson spent the 2022 season as a consultant and sounding board for Sarkisian. The former TCU coach decided to step away from the position in March, noting that he wanted to spend more time with family.

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During Patterson’s one season, Texas improved from 5-7 to 8-5. The defense, Patterson’s specialty throughout his coaching career, improved from 100th nationally in 2021 to 54th this past season. The Longhorns allowed 53.3 yards less per game more than 1 yard less per play (6.03 to 4.94).

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