Jabbar Juluke has reportedly interviewed for the Texas Longhorns’ vacant running backs coach role, marking the first formal conversation led by head coach Steve Sarkisian as Texas looks to replace Chad Scott. Sources connected to the coaching market indicate the interview took place on Thursday, though it isn’t clear whether an offer has been extended yet.
Juluke most recently served as the running backs coach at Florida, where he also held the title of associate head coach. His coaching résumé spans multiple programs and years, with notable stops including LSU, Louisiana Tech, and Louisiana, along with a substantial High School coaching background in Louisiana. The detailed coaching history includes:
- 2022–2025 Florida: Associate Head Coach / Running Backs Coach
- 2018–2021 Louisiana: Assistant Head Coach / Running Backs Coach
- 2017 Texas Tech: Associate Head Coach / Running Backs Coach
- 2016 LSU: Running Backs Coach
- 2013–2015 Louisiana Tech: Running Backs Coach
- 2006–2012 Edna Karr High School: Head Coach
- Earlier roles at McKinley, Edna Karr, O.P. Walker, St. Augustine, Brother Martin, and Frederick Douglass High Schools
Among the players he has helped develop are Clyde Edwards-Helaire, SaRodorick Thompson, Emani Bailey, Treyaun Webb, and Jadan Baugh, with several achieving 1,000-yard rushing seasons across his various programs. Examples include Derius Guice (LSU), Kenneth Dixon (Louisiana Tech), Trey Ragas (Louisiana), Elijah Mitchell (Louisiana), and Jadan Baugh (Florida), reflecting a track record of producing productive backs.
What Juluke could bring to Texas: His career centers on Louisiana and the broader Southeastern region, with established recruiting ties along the I-10 and I-20 corridors. He’s known for developing high-caliber backs and has experience coaching in Texas before, which could help him hit the ground running in recruiting and program building for the Longhorns. Sarkisian has expressed a preference for coaches who can sustain a steady flow of 1,000-yard seasons, a standard Juluke has demonstrated at various stops.
It’s important to note a blemish: Juluke was suspended for three games during the 2025 season after an altercation following Florida’s defeat at LSU. While not ideal, this incident appears to be a singular incident in an otherwise solid coaching track record.
Other programs in the SEC have shown interest in Juluke, including Kentucky, especially after Jon Sumrall moved on from Southern University. Juluke’s strengths lie in strong regional connections and a proven ability to develop and recruit running backs, potentially extending positive impact beyond the running backs room and across the staff.
Salary context: Chad Scott earned $700,000 in 2025 and was projected to $600,000 in 2026. Juluke’s 2025 salary at Florida was $650,000, with a $675,000 figure anticipated for 2026 if he remained with the Gators.
Would you view Juluke as a strong long-term hire for Texas, given his Louisiana and Southeast recruiting footprint and his history of developing top-tier backs? Do you think the suspension from 2025 should weigh more heavily than his sustained track record? Share your thoughts in the comments.
