On Sunday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter stirred up the Lone Star State with speculation about the future of Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Sarkisian has led his team to the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs after a thrilling overtime victory against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl, but questions about his long-term commitment to Texas are now swirling.
The Longhorns are set to face Ohio State on Friday in the highly anticipated Cotton Bowl, a clash between two of college football’s elite programs this season. A win would secure a spot in the national championship game, further solidifying Sarkisian’s turnaround at Texas. After a shaky start with a 13-12 record in his first two years, Sarkisian has guided the Longhorns to a stellar 25-4 record over the last two seasons, reestablishing the program as a national powerhouse and enhancing his coaching reputation.
Schefter reported on ESPN’s “Sunday Countdown” that Sarkisian’s success has caught the attention of NFL teams. “I would expect some teams to call and inquire about Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has drawn some interest from the NFL level,” Schefter said.
Sarkisian’s NFL credentials include a stint as quarterbacks coach for the Raiders in 2004 and two seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons from 2017 to 2018. His professional experience adds weight to the rumors of potential NFL interest.
However, when asked about the possibility of Sarkisian leaving Texas for the NFL, Longhorns athletic director Chris Del Conte was blunt. Initially declining to comment, Del Conte ultimately dismissed the notion, saying, “That’s stupid.”
Fans in Austin hope Del Conte is right. Sarkisian’s coaching journey has seen him helm programs at Washington, USC, and now Texas over the past four years. While the allure of the NFL is undeniable, Sarkisian’s immediate focus remains on leading the Longhorns to a national championship.
