Steve Sarkisian has firmly established himself as one of the most promising and dynamic head coaches in college football today. Since taking over as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns in 2021, Sarkisian has helped breathe new life into a program that has been searching for its next great leader. Under his watch, Texas has shown glimpses of the talent and potential that has made the Longhorns one of the most iconic college football programs in history.
However, with success comes attention, and Sarkisian is no exception. According to various reports, an insider believes that NFL teams could pursue Sarkisian for head coaching roles in the future. While this is speculative at best, the possibility of Sarkisian making the jump to the NFL has many college football fans wondering what this could mean for both Texas and the NFL landscape.
Let’s take a closer look at why Steve Sarkisian’s name is being mentioned in connection with potential NFL opportunities, and what impact this could have on both his career and the future of the Texas Longhorns.
1. Sarkisian’s Impressive Track Record as an Offensive Mind
Steve Sarkisian has long been regarded as one of the most innovative and effective offensive minds in football. Before becoming the head coach of Texas, he had a wealth of experience as an offensive coordinator in both college and the NFL. Sarkisian made a name for himself as the offensive coordinator for the University of Alabama under Nick Saban, where he helped lead the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 2020. His ability to craft dynamic offensive schemes and maximize the potential of his players was a major factor in Alabama’s offensive dominance during that period.
Sarkisian’s offensive prowess isn’t limited to just his time at Alabama. He has held various high-profile coaching positions throughout his career, including stints as the offensive coordinator for USC and the Atlanta Falcons. His time in the NFL with the Falcons was particularly notable, as he worked with an offense that featured star quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones. Sarkisian’s knowledge of the NFL game and his experience working with elite NFL talent only bolstered his reputation as a coach capable of succeeding at the highest levels.
Given his track record of success in both college and the NFL, it’s not surprising that NFL teams could see him as a potential head coach. In today’s NFL, teams are increasingly looking for coaches who can devise high-powered, modern offenses. Sarkisian’s experience with fast-paced, dynamic offenses—along with his demonstrated ability to develop quarterbacks—makes him a natural candidate for NFL teams in need of fresh ideas and leadership.
2. Success at Texas and the Rising Stock of Sarkisian
While Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas is still relatively young, the early returns have been promising. Texas has shown significant improvement under his leadership, and the Longhorns appear to be heading in the right direction. In just his second season at the helm, Sarkisian led Texas to a strong 2023 campaign, with notable victories and an impressive offense that became one of the more potent units in the country.
One of the key areas where Sarkisian has excelled is in developing quarterbacks. He has helped transform Quinn Ewers into a legitimate NFL prospect, and his track record of developing quarterbacks—dating back to his time at USC and Alabama—has been a major selling point. As NFL teams continue to place an emphasis on finding the right quarterback, Sarkisian’s ability to identify and develop top-tier quarterbacks could make him an attractive option for teams in need of a new head coach.
Additionally, Sarkisian’s reputation for creating an exciting, up-tempo offense has made Texas a team to watch. His offensive systems emphasize balance, creativity, and the ability to adjust to different defenses. The success of Texas’ offense, paired with the team’s rising competitiveness in the Big 12, has only increased Sarkisian’s profile in the football world. NFL teams are always looking for coaches who can adapt to the changing landscape of the league, and Sarkisian’s success in modernizing his offense at Texas positions him as a candidate for NFL jobs down the line.
3. The Appeal of Sarkisian to NFL Teams
NFL teams are notoriously quick to move on from underperforming head coaches, and the search for the next great leader is constant. Teams are always on the lookout for someone who can bring success and relevance, and Sarkisian’s combination of experience, success, and offensive acumen is hard to overlook.
One of the primary factors driving the potential for NFL teams to pursue Sarkisian is his ability to mold quarterbacks. In the NFL, where quarterback play is often the key to success, teams are constantly looking for someone who can develop a signal-caller into a franchise player. Sarkisian’s success with quarterbacks like Matt Leinart at USC, Jake Coker at Alabama, and now Quinn Ewers at Texas makes him an attractive candidate to teams in need of a new direction at the most important position in the game.
Another selling point for NFL teams is Sarkisian’s adaptability. The NFL is a league that thrives on innovation and quick adjustments, and Sarkisian’s ability to adjust his offensive schemes and develop new ideas could make him an asset to any team. Teams are moving away from traditional, ground-and-pound offenses and are increasingly looking for coaches who can design explosive, modern passing offenses. Sarkisian’s ability to develop up-tempo, creative offensive schemes makes him an intriguing candidate for NFL teams seeking to rejuvenate their offenses.
Finally, Sarkisian’s work ethic and football intelligence have earned him the respect of his peers. His ability to adapt to new challenges and to manage the pressures of being a head coach in both college and the NFL demonstrates that he has the temperament and knowledge needed to thrive in the high-stakes world of the NFL.
4. What This Means for Texas
If NFL teams do begin to take a serious interest in Steve Sarkisian, it could have significant implications for the Texas Longhorns. The program has already faced significant turnover in the coaching ranks over the years, and losing a coach of Sarkisian’s caliber would be a tough blow. However, Texas has historically been one of the most powerful programs in college football, and the university has the resources and appeal to attract top coaching talent.
Should Sarkisian decide to leave for the NFL, Texas would likely be in the market for a new head coach who could maintain the program’s upward trajectory. The Longhorns have shown significant potential under Sarkisian’s guidance, and the next coach would need to continue developing Texas into a national championship contender. Texas’ wealth of talent, resources, and passionate fan base make it an attractive job for any potential candidate, but losing Sarkisian would create a challenge in maintaining the program’s momentum.
In the event Sarkisian remains with Texas for the foreseeable future, however, the program’s prospects would only continue to improve. Sarkisian has proven that he can develop players, manage high expectations, and get the most out of his teams, which bodes well for the Longhorns as they continue to build their future.
5. Conclusion: Sarkisian’s Future in Play
As it stands, the idea of Steve Sarkisian making the jump to the NFL is speculative. However, his track record as an offensive mastermind, his success at Texas, and his potential to develop quarterbacks at the highest level make him an intriguing candidate for NFL teams looking for new leadership. While Texas Longhorns fans hope that Sarkisian remains committed to their program, there is no denying that his rising stock in the coaching world makes him a potential target for NFL teams down the road.
In the ever-changing world of college football and the NFL, Steve Sarkisian has positioned himself as one of the brightest minds in the game, and his future—whether it’s in Austin or the NFL—is one to watch closely. As NFL teams continue to seek the next great coaching leader, Sarkisian’s name is likely to be near the top of many lists.
