A few months back, people were buzzing about Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian potentially stepping into an NFL role. With several enticing opportunities popping up, it was no wonder his name was in the mix.
Sarkisian has really turned things around for the Longhorns, propelling them back into the national spotlight. Not only are they relevant again, but they’re also among the top programs across the country. Looking ahead to 2025, they’re expected to be strong contenders for the College Football Playoff National Championship.
His achievements in Texas have solidified his reputation, marking a significant comeback for Sarkisian, who once faced dismissal from USC due to multiple alcohol-related issues.
But Sarkisian didn’t head to Texas just to rebuild his image. He made that clear when discussing his offseason flirtations with the NFL this year.
“I wasn’t here to just claim the head coach title again,” Sarkisian said in a recent media discussion, as noted by On3. “The journey back to this spot was long, but my goal was clear from the outset: to win championships. We’re not done yet. I wanted to ensure I was doing a top-notch job here, hiring the best people and recruiting the finest players to achieve that aim. I’m truly proud of what we’ve accomplished so far.”
It’s intriguing to hear Sark straight up mention using the NFL interest as a bit of a bargaining chip, but it seems to have worked in his favor. His contract has now been extended through 2031 with a raise to boot.
The Longhorns reached the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Cotton Bowl, only to meet their match against a formidable Ohio State team. They fell 28-14 to the Buckeyes, who went on to claim the national title. However, with promising quarterback Arch Manning in the ranks, Texas is gearing up for another strong season.