Austin Armstrong’s Secret Weapon: Kelvin Sampson’s Defensive Mindset in Football
When Austin Armstrong stepped onto the University of Houston campus last winter as the new defensive coordinator for the football team, he got an insider’s glimpse of one of college basketball’s most imposing defenses. Watching Houston men’s basketball in action, Armstrong witnessed relentless defensive pressure, blocked shots, and frustrating shot-clock violations night after night. This experience deeply influenced his vision for the football defense he now leads.
Armstrong openly admires coach Kelvin Sampson—not just for his words, but for the undeniable way he embodies grit, intense effort, and an uncompromising desire to win. “I love Coach Sampson; he represents everything I want our defense to be,” Armstrong shared during fall camp. Sampson’s relentless commitment to toughness and hard work crafted a blueprint that Armstrong believes every defensive coach in football should aspire to follow.
But understanding this blueprint is only part of the battle. The tougher task? Inspiring an entire defense to fully embrace and live by these principles.
Despite Houston’s back-to-back 4-8 seasons, there were silver linings. In 2024, Houston’s defense stood tall as one of the Big 12’s best, giving up an average of just 22.9 points per game, which placed them fourth in the conference and 40th in the nation. But in an era where player transfers are common, the real challenge was maintaining such defensive excellence with a roster that changed significantly due to winter and spring transfer portal additions.
Armstrong credits the solid foundation laid by head coach Willie Fritz for smoothing this transition. “Coming in as the new guy in January, I found the team to be first-class, with everyone committed to hard work. Coach Fritz’s culture of discipline and effort makes coaching here easier,” Armstrong said.
Even so, Armstrong has already made his mark in 2025. Although Houston endured a tough 35-11 loss to Texas Tech in week six—which saw the defense give up a season-high 35 points and over 550 yards—the team’s defense has otherwise been stingy, allowing only 17.6 points per game through the first five matches. In fact, through their opening two games against Stephen F. Austin and Rice, Houston’s defense surrendered a mere nine points total—the fewest allowed this early in a season since 1989.
When asked during camp what kind of defense fans should expect, Armstrong kept it simple but meaningful: he wants a defense that stops opponents effectively.
Two key players embodying this goal are senior defensive lineman Carlos Allen Jr. and junior defensive lineman Khalil Laufau, both ranking among the Big 12’s leading tacklers, with Allen Jr. topping the list. “Carlos and Khalil have been fantastic. Coaches Giles and Osborne have helped them grow technically and fundamentally, and I’m excited to see how they keep improving,” Armstrong noted.
With just two conference games completed and seven more ahead, Armstrong’s defense still faces stiff challenges against some of the Big 12’s highest-powered offenses. Their recent game against No. 9 Texas Tech, the conference’s most explosive offense, proved that while progress has been made, Houston still has much to learn to truly compete with the league’s elite.
Just like Kelvin Sampson’s basketball squad, Houston football doesn’t dwell on wins or losses beyond the moment they happen—a mindset adopted by head coach Fritz and embraced by Armstrong and the defense. “Our focus is on continuous improvement, not past results or future anxieties. We play to win one moment at a time,” Armstrong explained.
But here’s where it gets controversial: can a basketball mentality truly transform a football defense, given how different these sports are? And is it wise to rely heavily on a philosophy based on one coach’s style when results, at least in wins and losses, haven’t completely turned around yet?
What do you think? Is Armstrong’s approach the silver bullet Houston needs, or could more traditional football strategies serve them better? Share your thoughts below—let’s discuss!
