When Steve Sarkisian was hired as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns in January 2021, he was tasked with one of the most challenging and high-pressure jobs in college football: restoring the glory of a once-proud program that had fallen from national prominence. Fast forward to 2024, and Sarkisian has made significant strides toward that goal. With a resurgent offense, a highly talented roster, and a spot in the College Football Playoff discussion, Sarkisian has proven himself as a top-tier college football head coach.
Yet, despite his success at Texas and the inevitable speculation about his future, one thing is abundantly clear: Sarkisian is not entertaining the idea of a return to the NFL. Having experienced both the highs and lows of coaching at the professional level, Sarkisian is committed to his current role as the architect of the Longhorns’ football program. But why is he so resolute in his stance? Let’s take a closer look at the factors that are keeping Steve Sarkisian firmly focused on college football, with no plans to revisit the NFL.
### A Rich History in College Football
Steve Sarkisian’s roots in college football run deep. Before making the leap to the NFL, Sarkisian was widely regarded as one of the most promising offensive minds in the college ranks. As an offensive coordinator at the University of Washington and later at USC, Sarkisian was known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and orchestrate high-powered offenses.
Sarkisian’s first head coaching job came at Washington, where he worked from 2009 to 2013. Under his leadership, the Huskies showed incremental improvement each year, eventually becoming a competitive force in the Pac-12. His success at Washington earned him the job at USC, one of the premier programs in college football. Although Sarkisian’s time at USC was short-lived, it was marked by flashes of brilliance, including his ability to recruit top-tier talent and revamp the Trojans’ offense.
Sarkisian’s NFL stint came when he was hired as the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator in 2017. Although he inherited a talented offense led by quarterback Matt Ryan, Sarkisian’s time in the NFL was a mixed bag. While the Falcons offense remained productive, it never quite reached the heights that many had expected after their Super Bowl appearance in 2016. After two seasons, Sarkisian was let go.
Though his time in the NFL provided valuable lessons, Sarkisian’s true calling appears to be in college football. The opportunity to mold young athletes, recruit on a national scale, and build a program from the ground up has been far more fulfilling for him than the pressures of coaching at the professional level.
### The Texas Job: A Dream Role
When Texas came calling, Sarkisian saw an opportunity to take over one of college football’s most storied programs at a critical juncture. The Longhorns, with their vast resources, passionate fan base, and a history of national championships, were ready for a resurgence. Texas had been mired in mediocrity for much of the 2010s, and the program needed a leader who could return it to the heights it once enjoyed.
Sarkisian’s decision to take the job at Texas wasn’t just about personal ambition; it was also about the chance to help build something lasting. He’s been clear about his love for college football, which offers a unique set of challenges and rewards compared to the NFL. From recruiting, to working with young players, to having a direct hand in shaping the future of the sport, college football provides Sarkisian with opportunities that the professional game simply cannot match.
In just a few years, Sarkisian has made significant progress in his mission to turn Texas into a national contender once again. The Longhorns have become a force on the recruiting trail, bringing in top-tier talent at every position. His offense has been electric, with quarterback Quinn Ewers emerging as one of the top young quarterbacks in the country. Texas is once again a program with championship aspirations, and Sarkisian’s ability to lead the team toward that goal has earned him respect not just in Austin, but across the country.
Given the progress he’s made in such a short time, leaving Texas for the NFL seems like an unlikely prospect. In fact, Sarkisian has repeatedly stated that his focus is squarely on his role at Texas, and he’s not interested in returning to the NFL anytime soon.
### The Unique Challenges of College Football
Sarkisian’s decision to remain in college football is also informed by the distinct challenges the college game presents. Unlike the NFL, where players are typically highly developed professionals, college football is about development and recruitment. Sarkisian has to recruit high school athletes, develop them into top-tier college players, and navigate the changing landscape of the NCAA with ever-evolving rules and regulations. This level of engagement with young athletes, and the long-term vision it requires, is something that Sarkisian finds immensely rewarding.
Additionally, the college game offers the chance to create a legacy. Programs like Texas, USC, and Alabama are steeped in tradition, and coaching at a school with such a rich history allows Sarkisian to leave his imprint on something greater than any one individual season. The NFL, on the other hand, is more focused on immediate success and short-term goals. While coaches in the NFL can certainly build legacies, the culture of college football — where coaches are often revered for decades — appeals to Sarkisian’s long-term vision of success.
Moreover, the recent explosion of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals has added a new level of complexity to recruiting. While this may seem like a challenge to some, Sarkisian has embraced the changing landscape, seeing it as an opportunity to further engage with players and their families. His ability to navigate these new waters, while still focusing on the football field, is part of what makes him so successful at Texas.
### The NFL: A Mixed Experience
Although Sarkisian’s time in the NFL was marked by some ups and downs, his stint with the Atlanta Falcons was instructive. As offensive coordinator, he was working with an elite quarterback in Matt Ryan and an offense stacked with talent. Despite this, the Falcons struggled to reach the level of production that many expected, and Sarkisian’s tenure was cut short after just two seasons.
It’s worth noting that the NFL requires a different skill set from college football. While college coaches can have more influence on the roster through recruiting, NFL coaches are more reliant on managing established professional athletes. The cutthroat nature of the NFL, with its constant pressure to win and frequent turnover of staff, doesn’t always offer the same sense of fulfillment that college coaching does. Sarkisian’s departure from the NFL is a reminder that the professional game isn’t always the right fit for everyone, even those with NFL-caliber skills.
### Building Something Special at Texas
Ultimately, Sarkisian’s commitment to Texas is about more than just wins and losses. He’s building a program with staying power — one that can contend for national titles year in and year out. The Longhorns’ offense is a reflection of his vision, and his coaching staff is a collection of top-tier talent that complements his leadership style. As Texas prepares to enter the SEC, the program is positioned for a new era of dominance.
Steve Sarkisian’s refusal to entertain the idea of returning to the NFL speaks volumes about his commitment to the college game. He’s found a place where he can grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact on the sport. And for Texas fans, that’s a message that should give them hope for a bright future under one of the game’s brightest coaching minds. As the Longhorns aim for a national championship, Sarkisian’s unwavering focus on college football is exactly what the program needs to keep climbing back to the top.