The Texas Longhorns are making a power move behind the scenes, and it's one that could pay dividends for years to come. Head coach Steve Sarkisian is expected to add serious NFL experience to his staff by hiring veteran scout Chris Watts in a player personnel role. This isn't just any hire—Watts brings over two decades of pro-level talent evaluation to Austin.
Watts has spent the last four seasons scouting for the Pittsburgh Steelers, most recently covering the South region during the 2023 NFL Draft cycle. That territory included the SEC and Texas schools—territory he knows intimately. Before his time in Pittsburgh, Watts put in 15 years with the New York Giants, where he served as the college scout for the Southwest region. During that span, he was part of two Super Bowl championship runs, giving him firsthand experience in what it takes to build a winner.
His departure from the Steelers in March came as part of a broader shakeup following the team's split with longtime head coach Mike Tomlin. But Watts' resume doesn't stop there. He's also spent time in player personnel with the USFL's Birmingham Stallions and logged six months working with the Senior Bowl. A former college player himself at Langston University in Oklahoma, Watts understands the game from both sides of the scouting table.
It's easy to see why Sarkisian would target a scout with this kind of pedigree. With over 20 years of NFL experience—and a specific focus on the South and Texas regions—Watts is perfectly positioned to help the Longhorns identify and land elite talent. And in today's college football landscape, where the stakes are higher than ever and programs are now paying players directly, missing on a prospect carries much heavier consequences. Watts' arrival signals that Texas is serious about getting every evaluation right.
For Longhorns fans, this hire is a clear sign that the program is not just competing on the field—but winning the talent war behind the scenes.