Steve Sarkisian on Texas Longhorns’ 2024 Struggles: “Yeah, I Mean, I Have My Own Grass to Mow”
The 2024 college football season has been a rollercoaster for the Texas Longhorns. Coming off a promising 2023 campaign that saw Texas reclaim some of its storied glory, the expectations for 2024 were sky-high. However, a combination of inconsistent performances and unforeseen challenges has made this season a struggle for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his team. Sarkisian’s candid response to questions about the Longhorns’ difficulties—“Yeah, I mean, I have my own grass to mow”—provides insight into his philosophy and leadership amid adversity.
When the 2024 season began, Texas was brimming with optimism. The team had a strong recruiting class, returning stars, and momentum from a solid previous season. The move to the SEC further fueled the narrative that Texas was ready to compete at the highest level, restoring its reputation as a college football powerhouse.
However, the season hasn’t gone as planned. Losses in key games, struggles with consistency, and injury issues have left the Longhorns short of their lofty aspirations. Fans and analysts have been quick to voice their frustrations, but Sarkisian remains steadfast in his approach.
Sarkisian’s comment about “mowing his own grass” reflects his focus on controlling what he and his team can control. It’s a phrase that embodies self-accountability, discipline, and the importance of addressing internal matters rather than getting caught up in external noise.
“When you’re in the middle of a tough season, it’s easy to look at everything going wrong around you,” Sarkisian explained in a recent press conference. “But at the end of the day, we have to focus on ourselves—our preparation, our execution, and our mindset. That’s what I mean by mowing our own grass. If we take care of our business, the results will come.”
This philosophy isn’t new for Sarkisian, who has consistently emphasized process over results during his tenure at Texas. While the struggles of 2024 have tested this mindset, it remains central to how he’s addressing the team’s challenges.
The Longhorns’ 2024 struggles can be attributed to several key factors:
- Inconsistent Play: While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, they’ve struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in high-pressure situations.
- Injuries: Key players on both offense and defense have missed significant time, forcing younger, less experienced athletes to step into major roles.
- SEC Transition: Adjusting to the rigorous demands of the SEC has proven to be a challenge, as Texas now faces elite competition week in and week out.
- Execution Issues: Turnovers, penalties, and missed assignments have hurt the team in critical moments, highlighting the need for greater attention to detail.
Despite the setbacks, Sarkisian has remained a steady presence. He has consistently taken responsibility for the team’s struggles while pushing his players and coaching staff to improve.
“This isn’t where we want to be, but we’re not going to panic,” Sarkisian said. “We have to stay the course, learn from our mistakes, and keep getting better. That’s what great programs do—they respond to adversity.”
Sarkisian has also leaned on veteran leaders within the team to set the tone for younger players. By fostering a culture of accountability and resilience, he’s working to ensure that the program continues to grow, even in a challenging season.
Texas fans are known for their passion and high expectations, and the 2024 season has tested their patience. While some have expressed frustration with the team’s performance, others recognize that rebuilding a championship-caliber program takes time.
The media, meanwhile, has speculated about whether Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas can meet the lofty standards of the program’s history. However, Sarkisian remains focused on the task at hand, refusing to let outside criticism dictate his approach.
As the season progresses, Sarkisian is optimistic about the Longhorns’ ability to turn things around. With several key games remaining, he sees opportunities for growth and improvement that will pay dividends in the future.
“Our goals haven’t changed,” Sarkisian said. “We’re building something special here, and that takes time. We have to stay focused on what we can control and keep working every day.”
Looking beyond 2024, Texas continues to recruit at a high level, ensuring that the program’s talent pipeline remains strong. Sarkisian believes that the lessons learned this season will make the team stronger in the long run.
Steve Sarkisian’s “mowing your own grass” philosophy captures the essence of his leadership during a difficult season. By emphasizing accountability, resilience, and focus, he’s guiding the Texas Longhorns through their 2024 struggles with an eye on the bigger picture.
While this season may not meet fans’ expectations, Sarkisian’s steady approach ensures that the foundation is being laid for sustained success. As the Longhorns navigate their first season in the SEC, they are learning valuable lessons that will shape their future—and with Sarkisian at the helm, the program remains committed to returning to college football’s elite.