When it comes to college football, few coaches are as polarizing or impactful as Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns. With one of the top quarterback prospects in recent history, Arch Manning, set to take over as the face of the program next year, speculation about Sarkisian’s future has been rampant. Some pundits have suggested that Sarkisian might be eyeing a return to the NFL, where he previously served as an offensive coordinator. However, those who believe that the Texas head coach is planning to leave Austin for the professional ranks are deeply mistaken. Here’s why Sarkisian’s future remains firmly tied to the Longhorns.
When Sarkisian took over as head coach in 2021, he inherited a Texas program that had been struggling to regain its identity. The Longhorns were a far cry from their glory days under Mack Brown, and the fan base was growing restless. Sarkisian came in with a clear vision: to restore Texas to national prominence and compete for championships.
After a couple of seasons filled with ups and downs, the pieces are finally falling into place. The Longhorns are poised to be a legitimate contender, and the arrival of Arch Manning has only heightened expectations. Manning, regarded as one of the most talented quarterback recruits of all time, represents a generational talent who could elevate the program to unprecedented heights. For Sarkisian, leaving now would mean walking away from the very vision he’s spent years building.
Sarkisian’s journey with Texas is far from complete. While he has made significant progress in recruiting and player development, the Longhorns have yet to capture a Big 12 title or make a serious push for the College Football Playoff under his leadership. With Manning set to lead the offense and a roster stacked with young talent, the 2024 season represents the culmination of years of effort.
Leaving Texas before achieving those milestones would not only damage Sarkisian’s legacy but also leave unfinished business on the table. Coaches with Sarkisian’s level of ambition and pride don’t walk away from opportunities like the one unfolding in Austin.
The speculation about Sarkisian’s potential jump to the NFL is understandable, given his history in the league. He served as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons from 2017 to 2018, where he gained valuable experience. However, Sarkisian’s skill set and career trajectory are better suited for college football.
In the NFL, coaches face challenges that go beyond X’s and O’s, including managing egos, navigating salary caps, and dealing with front-office politics. Sarkisian thrives in the college game because of his ability to connect with young players, develop talent, and build a program. His success at Alabama as an offensive coordinator and his ongoing work at Texas showcase his strengths in a collegiate setting.
Moreover, NFL teams have not shown significant interest in Sarkisian as a head coaching candidate in recent years. While he is a brilliant offensive mind, his mixed track record as a head coach at Washington and USC likely tempers NFL enthusiasm.
The arrival of Arch Manning is a game-changer, not just for Texas but also for Sarkisian’s career. Manning’s commitment to the Longhorns is a testament to the trust he and his family have in Sarkisian’s ability to develop quarterbacks and lead a successful program. Manning could have chosen virtually any school in the country but opted for Texas because of Sarkisian’s offensive system and vision for the future.
Walking away from the opportunity to coach Manning would not only be a personal disappointment for Sarkisian but also a professional misstep. The pairing of Sarkisian and Manning has the potential to create something truly special, and both parties are fully invested in making it work.
Under Sarkisian, Texas has become a recruiting powerhouse. The Longhorns have consistently landed top-tier talent, and the roster depth is now comparable to that of other national contenders like Alabama and Georgia. Sarkisian has also instilled a culture of accountability and competitiveness, which has been evident in the team’s improvement on both sides of the ball.
The Longhorns are set to join the SEC in 2024, which presents both challenges and opportunities. Competing in college football’s toughest conference will demand the best from Sarkisian and his staff, but it also provides a chance to cement Texas as a national powerhouse. This new chapter in the program’s history is one that Sarkisian is eager to lead
For those speculating about Steve Sarkisian’s potential departure to the NFL, it’s time to reconsider. Sarkisian is not only committed to the Texas Longhorns but also uniquely positioned to lead the program into a new era of success. With Arch Manning set to take the reins at quarterback and the Longhorns poised to make waves in the SEC, Sarkisian has every reason to stay in Austin.
The NFL may always be an option for Sarkisian, but right now, his heart and focus are with Texas. The Longhorns’ head coach is building something special, and he’s not about to leave before seeing it through. For Texas fans, that’s exactly the kind of commitment they’ve been waiting for.