In the world of college football, coaching rumors and speculation are as much a part of the sport as the game itself. Whenever a program is performing well, the spotlight turns not only to the players but also to the head coach. Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the University of Texas Longhorns, has been no stranger to attention ever since taking over the program in 2021. With his ability to turn around the Longhorns’ fortunes and lead them back to national prominence, it’s no surprise that rumors have circulated about his potential future in the NFL.
However, in a bold and unequivocal statement, Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte has made it abundantly clear that Steve Sarkisian is going nowhere. Del Conte’s recent comments have put to rest any speculation about Sarkisian’s future with the Longhorns, solidifying the program’s commitment to the head coach and the direction he is taking the team.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the significance of Del Conte’s statement, the impact it has on Texas football, and what it means for the Longhorns moving forward under Steve Sarkisian’s leadership.
The NFL Rumors Surrounding Steve Sarkisian
Steve Sarkisian’s name has often been mentioned in connection with NFL job openings, particularly as a result of his offensive genius and the success he’s found at Texas. Having previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in 2017-2018, Sarkisian has NFL experience that makes him a natural candidate for coaching vacancies at the professional level.
However, it wasn’t just his past NFL role that fueled the rumors. Under Sarkisian’s leadership, the Longhorns have made impressive strides. His ability to develop quarterbacks, build an explosive offense, and create a competitive team has been on full display. With Texas’ resurgence as a force in college football, it was only a matter of time before his name came up in NFL coaching circles.
Most recently, there were whispers that NFL teams might take an interest in Sarkisian if their head coach vacancies became available. With so many franchises looking for offensive-minded leaders, and Sarkisian’s offense at Texas ranking among the best in the nation, speculation began to swirl about the possibility of him leaving for a professional coaching opportunity.
However, Texas fans and stakeholders need not worry. Chris Del Conte, the athletic director of the University of Texas, has addressed these rumors head-on, offering a definitive statement that leaves no room for doubt about Sarkisian’s future with the Longhorns.
Chris Del Conte’s Clear and Direct Statement
In a recent press conference, Chris Del Conte was asked about the ongoing NFL rumors involving Steve Sarkisian. Del Conte wasted no time in providing a clear and resolute response. He emphatically stated that Steve Sarkisian is not going anywhere, reinforcing that the Longhorns are fully committed to their head coach and the program’s future under his leadership.
Del Conte expressed unwavering confidence in Sarkisian’s ability to continue building Texas into a championship contender. He highlighted Sarkisian’s success in recruiting top talent, his leadership in shaping the team’s culture, and the significant progress the Longhorns have made since Sarkisian took over. Del Conte’s message was simple: Steve Sarkisian is the future of Texas football.
“I’m not concerned about any of those reports,” Del Conte said. “Steve Sarkisian is our coach, and we’re committed to him long-term. We’re building something special here, and we have full confidence in Steve’s ability to lead us to a national championship.”
The Significance of Del Conte’s Statement
Del Conte’s strong and unequivocal statement serves several important purposes. First and foremost, it sends a clear message to Texas fans, recruits, and the rest of the college football world that the Longhorns are behind their head coach. In a time when coaching speculation can create uncertainty within a program, Del Conte’s firm stance provides stability for Texas football moving forward.
For the players, knowing that Sarkisian has the full support of the athletic department and leadership is a crucial factor in maintaining team morale and focus. It allows the players to continue to buy into the program and the system that Sarkisian is building. It also reassures recruits that they are committing to a program with a clear, long-term vision.
Furthermore, Del Conte’s statement is a sign of the University of Texas’ commitment to its football program. While rumors may be part of the landscape of college football, this show of support from the athletic director underscores the fact that Texas is investing in Sarkisian’s vision for the future. Sarkisian has been tasked with bringing Texas back to national prominence, and Del Conte’s comments suggest that the university believes he is the right person to do so.
The Longhorns’ Progress Under Steve Sarkisian
Steve Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas has been marked by both progress and promise. In his first two years, Sarkisian worked tirelessly to rebuild the program and establish a culture of winning. His ability to recruit elite talent has been evident, as Texas has attracted some of the best high school players in the country. Additionally, his development of quarterbacks—particularly with players like Quinn Ewers—has been a key factor in the team’s offensive success.
The Longhorns have also shown significant improvement on the field. While Sarkisian inherited a program in need of revitalization, his leadership has helped the team become a contender in the Big 12 and a force to be reckoned with on the national stage. Texas has had several impressive victories under his guidance, and the future looks bright as the Longhorns continue to ascend toward the top of college football.
One of the most notable achievements under Sarkisian has been his ability to develop a high-powered offense that can compete with the best in the nation. Texas’ offense has been explosive, and Sarkisian’s play-calling and quarterback development have earned him recognition as one of the top offensive minds in college football.
With the Longhorns now poised to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff, it’s clear that the foundation Sarkisian has built is beginning to bear fruit. Del Conte’s statement only reinforces the confidence that Texas is on the right track.
What’s Next for Steve Sarkisian and Texas?
With Chris Del Conte’s endorsement and the support of the Texas athletic department, the future of Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns looks incredibly bright. Texas has established itself as a legitimate contender in the college football landscape, and Sarkisian’s leadership will continue to be a driving force behind that success.
As the Longhorns continue to compete at the highest levels, the focus will remain on winning championships. The commitment to Sarkisian ensures that Texas will have the stability and leadership it needs to build a consistent and successful program. And while NFL rumors will inevitably resurface as long as Sarkisian continues to have success, Del Conte’s statement makes it clear that the University of Texas is all in on their head coach and his vision for the program.
For now, Sarkisian and the Longhorns are focused on what’s ahead: competing for titles, continuing to develop top talent, and building a legacy that will last for years to come. The statement from Del Conte is a reminder that the foundation is in place for Texas to return to the pinnacle of college football. With Sarkisian at the helm, the Longhorns are in good hands.