Florida head coach Billy Napier recently took a moment to praise Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian, complimenting not only his coaching acumen but also his character. In a recent press conference, Napier described Sarkisian as a coach with a “good heart” and a “great football team,” acknowledging the impact Sarkisian has made at Texas. The respect Napier has for Sarkisian reflects a broader appreciation across the college football world, where Sarkisian has built a reputation not only as a skilled offensive mind but also as a person of resilience and integrity.
Sarkisian’s career in football has seen remarkable highs and lows, a journey that many coaches, including Napier, find both inspiring and instructive. Sarkisian began his career as a promising offensive coordinator with stints at USC and Alabama, where he earned praise for his play-calling and innovative offensive schemes. However, he faced personal challenges that forced him to step away from coaching for a time, publicly confronting issues with alcohol. Sarkisian’s decision to address these struggles head-on and return to the game is a testament to his resilience.
After his time away from the sidelines, Sarkisian found a home with Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who provided him with an opportunity to redeem himself and re-establish his career. As Alabama’s offensive coordinator, Sarkisian excelled, designing one of the most potent offenses in college football and earning the 2020 Broyles Award, which is given to the nation’s top assistant coach. This success ultimately led him to the head coaching position at Texas, where he’s taken on the challenge of restoring the Longhorns as a national powerhouse.
Billy Napier, who has also climbed the ranks to become one of the SEC’s most promising young coaches, spoke highly of Sarkisian’s leadership qualities. “Steve is one of those guys who genuinely cares about his players and his staff,” Napier said. “He’s a coach who isn’t just there to win games; he’s there to build people up, to support them, and to guide them.”
Napier’s respect for Sarkisian extends beyond just his coaching ability. He noted that Sarkisian’s journey demonstrates a commitment to self-improvement and personal growth, qualities that resonate with Napier’s own approach to coaching. In his press conference, Napier explained how he values coaches who understand the holistic role of a leader, those who see their players as people first and athletes second. “Steve’s got a good heart,” Napier continued. “And that matters in this business, because football is about relationships and trust.”
Under Sarkisian, the Texas Longhorns have made significant strides in regaining national prominence. While the road hasn’t been without challenges, Texas is beginning to look like a serious contender again, both in the Big 12 and on a national level. Sarkisian’s offensive expertise has transformed Texas’s playstyle, bringing a high-scoring, fast-paced approach that appeals to top recruits and energizes the fan base.
Napier noted that Texas’s success is a direct reflection of Sarkisian’s leadership and football IQ. “Steve’s got a great football team, and that’s not an accident,” Napier said. “He knows how to create a culture that attracts talented players and brings out the best in them. Watching what he’s building there has been impressive.”
The Longhorns’ recent recruiting successes, including landing top quarterback prospect Arch Manning, underscore Sarkisian’s ability to attract elite talent to Texas. Manning’s commitment is a game-changer for the program, setting Texas up for future success and underscoring Sarkisian’s appeal as a coach who can guide players to the next leveling
Napier and Sarkisian’s mutual respect highlights a growing camaraderie among coaches who understand the immense pressures of the job. Both coaches have been vocal about the importance of character in their players and staff, aiming to create environments where athletes feel valued beyond their performance on the field.
For Napier, Sarkisian represents what college football coaching should be about: guiding young men, building character, and developing a team ethos that goes beyond winning. “In football, there’s a lot of noise, a lot of distractions, but guys like Steve keep things in perspective,” Napier said. “He’s a reminder that you can be competitive and caring, that you can strive for excellence and still be humble.”
As the season continues, both Napier’s Florida Gators and Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns have much to prove. Florida, navigating the difficult terrain of the SEC, faces one of the toughest schedules in college football, while Texas is on a path to regain national relevance. Both coaches are under pressure to deliver results, yet their respect for each other signals a commitment to values that transcend wins and losses.
In an era where the demand for success can often overshadow the importance of character, Napier’s praise for Sarkisian is a refreshing reminder of the deeper impact coaches can have on their teams. As Napier put it, “It’s about more than just football. It’s about making a difference, and Steve’s doing just that at Texas.”