Steve Sarkisian has already filled out his Longhorns staff. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Sarkisian was only recently announced as Texas’ new head football coach, and he has already filled out his staff.

Sark officially announced on Thursday the hiring of Jeff Choate. Choate, who was Montana State’s head coach, will be the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

Choate called the decision to leave for Texas a “slam dunk.”

The 50-year-old was a linebacker in college and coached Montana State from 2016 to 2020. He led the team to the FCS semifinals in 2019.

News of his hiring was reported last week but was not made official until Thursday.

In addition to Choate, Texas announced a few more hires. Jason Grooms will be the football chief of staff. Four strength and conditioning staffers were announced as well.

Now it’s all systems go for Sarkisian, who will have to validate Texas’ decision to dump Tom Herman for him. Sarkisian raided Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama in order to fill out his staff in Austin. This marks Sark’s third stop as a college head coach following stints at Washington and USC.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Frank Vogel fell victim to a Suns ownership group eager to win
Luka Doncic hands OKC first playoff loss with gutsy Game 2 effort
Three takeaways as Rangers take commanding 3-0 series lead on Hurricanes
Rams make surprising move with former team captain
Ohio State AD is wrong for thinking Michigan wins deserve asterisk
Padres OF Jurickson Profar is a legitimate MVP candidate
Steelers' Cameron Heyward comments on controversial Justin Fields idea
Pacers coach claims officials are biased against 'small market' teams
14-year-old phenom signs unprecedented MLS deal that includes future Man City transfer
Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy's 'soured' relationship paints murky future for PGA Tour
Stars almost blow another lead, even series with Avalanche
Auburn's Hugh Freeze uncomfortable with 'bidding wars' for top players in transfer portal
Cavaliers punch back, blow out Celtics in Game 2
Coach: Oilers star center could miss Game 2 vs. Canucks
Watch: Cavaliers' Evan Mobley turns defense into offense in Game 2 vs. Celtics
Xander Schauffele tops stacked leaderboard after first round of Wells Fargo Championship
Suns talks with head-coaching target 'expected to move quickly'
Knicks get even more bad injury news ahead of Game 3
2008 Celtics champion sentenced to prison despite emotional plea
Skip Bayless makes huge Tom Brady prediction after Netflix roast