Blake Gideon - Pressures and Simulated Pressures

The Coach

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Blake Gideon, an All-Big 12 defensive back at Texas from 2008 to 2011, was appointed as the Longhorns' safeties coach on January 22, 2021. In the 2023 season, he guided the development of standout players like Jerrin Thompson, Michael Taaffe, and freshman Derek Williams Jr., while transfer Jalen Catalon provided leadership. Thompson and Taaffe led the team with three interceptions each, and Williams led defensive backfield newcomers with 42 tackles. The 2022 season saw Gideon mentoring defensive backs Jahdae Barron, Jerrin Thompson, and veteran Anthony Cook, all of whom achieved career highs and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 accolades. Before Texas, Gideon served as special teams coordinator at Ole Miss, where he led the team to impressive national rankings in kickoff return defense and kickoff returns. He also excelled at Houston as the special teams coordinator and nickelbacks coach, with the team leading the nation in blocked punts and kicks.

Before his coaching tenure at Houston, Gideon coached at Georgia State, Western Carolina, and served as a defensive quality control assistant at Florida and a defensive graduate assistant at Auburn. As a player, Gideon was a four-year starter at safety and two-time team captain at Texas, contributing to the team's success, including a Big 12 Championship and a berth in the BCS National Championship game. He recorded 276 tackles, 10 interceptions, and numerous other defensive stats throughout his career. Academically, he was recognized on UT’s Athletics Director’s Honor Roll and graduated with a degree in kinesiology and health in December 2011. Originally from Leander, Texas, Gideon is married to Mary Catherine Abernathy, and they have two children. His father, Steve, was the head coach at Leander High School before retiring.