In the high-stakes world of college football, where every play can determine the outcome of a game, it’s often the smallest details that make the biggest difference. One of the most common, yet frustrating, issues teams face is penalties. Whether it’s a false start, a personal foul, or a holding call, penalties can stall an offense, derail a defense, or shift momentum in a game. For the Texas Longhorns, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, penalties have been a persistent problem throughout his tenure. However, in an effort to turn things around and ensure that the team was ready for the challenges ahead, Sarkisian held a strong “come to Jesus” meeting with the Longhorns to address the issue head-on.
This meeting, which took place in the lead-up to a crucial stretch of the season, wasn’t just a typical team talk. It was a moment of reckoning for the Longhorns—a powerful reminder that discipline, focus, and accountability are the cornerstones of success, both on and off the field. In this blog post, we’ll explore what led to this meeting, the significance of Sarkisian’s approach, and the potential impact it could have on the Longhorns’ pursuit of greatness.
The Growing Issue: Penalties Plaguing the Longhorns
Since Steve Sarkisian took over as head coach of the Texas Longhorns in 2021, one of the most persistent problems facing the team has been an alarming number of penalties. Whether it’s pre-snap infractions, personal fouls, or costly holdings, penalties have been an issue that has continuously hampered the team’s ability to execute and win games. In fact, during his first two seasons at Texas, the Longhorns consistently ranked near the bottom of the Big 12 in penalty yards per game.
For a team with national championship aspirations, these penalties were not only frustrating but also unacceptable. In college football, discipline is often the difference between being a good team and a great one. A handful of ill-timed penalties can derail an otherwise dominant performance, and Sarkisian knew that if Texas was going to compete at the highest level, this issue had to be addressed.
Through the first part of the season, the penalties were especially noticeable. The Longhorns were committing errors at crucial moments—on third downs, in the red zone, or after big plays. It wasn’t just about the number of penalties; it was about the timing. The Longhorns would find themselves moving backward after a key first down, or worse, allowing an opponent to stay in a game they should have been able to close out. As the penalties mounted, Sarkisian knew something had to change.
The ‘Come to Jesus’ Meeting: A Turning Point for the Team
In football, a “come to Jesus” meeting is typically a sit-down conversation that forces individuals to face the truth about their behavior or performance. It’s a moment of clarity where the coach lays down the law and demands accountability. Sarkisian’s “come to Jesus” meeting with the Longhorns was exactly that: a moment of truth. He didn’t sugarcoat the situation, and he didn’t make excuses. Instead, he addressed the issue head-on and demanded that his players take responsibility for their actions.
Sarkisian opened the meeting with a straightforward message: the team’s penalty problem had to stop, or it would cost them games. There was no room for error, no tolerance for mistakes that could be avoided. For the Longhorns to achieve their goals—whether it be winning the Big 12, securing a College Football Playoff (CFP) spot, or even winning a national championship—the penalties had to be reduced. It wasn’t a suggestion; it was a requirement.
The meeting wasn’t just about addressing the penalties themselves, but also about instilling a sense of discipline and focus in every player. Sarkisian emphasized that these penalties weren’t just numbers on a stat sheet; they represented a lack of focus, attention to detail, and respect for the game. He reminded his players that every snap mattered, every play had consequences, and the team couldn’t afford to shoot itself in the foot anymore.
One of the most important aspects of the meeting was that Sarkisian made it clear that this wasn’t just a team-wide issue—it was an individual issue. While penalties can be attributed to coaching or scheme at times, most penalties are a direct result of player actions: jumping offside, holding, or making avoidable personal fouls. Sarkisian’s challenge was clear: each player needed to hold themselves accountable for their actions. The team’s success, or failure, would depend on their ability to limit mistakes and maintain discipline.
Sarkisian’s Approach: Accountability and Discipline
Steve Sarkisian’s approach to addressing the penalty issue was rooted in two core principles: accountability and discipline. He understood that college athletes often face emotional highs and lows during a season, and that maintaining a consistent level of focus in every game is difficult. However, he also recognized that discipline is the foundation of any successful team. Without it, the Longhorns would be unable to execute at the highest level.
After the meeting, Sarkisian worked with his coaching staff to implement a series of drills and practices designed to emphasize discipline. The Longhorns focused on reducing pre-snap penalties through better communication, timing, and alignment. They also worked on improving their mental toughness to avoid personal fouls and other avoidable mistakes. Sarkisian ensured that each player understood the gravity of the situation, reinforcing that penalties were a reflection of the team’s focus and preparedness.
Furthermore, Sarkisian and his staff made sure that the message didn’t end after the meeting. The Longhorns continued to focus on discipline throughout the season, reinforcing the importance of avoiding costly mistakes. Sarkisian made it clear that anyone who repeatedly committed penalties would face consequences, whether it was losing playing time or additional consequences in practice. He set the expectation that penalties would no longer be tolerated, and players were held to those standards consistently.
The Impact: Penalties Cut Down, Texas Turns the Corner
Following the “come to Jesus” meeting, the Texas Longhorns began to see a noticeable reduction in penalties. The team became more disciplined, and the coaching staff saw the positive effects during games. In key moments, the Longhorns were no longer hurting themselves with costly infractions. This allowed them to maintain control of games and execute with more precision, particularly in critical moments when the game was on the line.
As the season progressed, Texas began to play more consistently, and their penalty issues became a thing of the past. In high-pressure games, where the margins were thin, the Longhorns demonstrated that they could stay composed and focused, no longer shooting themselves in the foot with avoidable mistakes. This newfound discipline helped the team win games and, ultimately, secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. The reduction in penalties was not just a statistic—it was a reflection of the Longhorns’ growth as a team.
Conclusion: The Importance of Leadership and Discipline
Steve Sarkisian’s “come to Jesus” meeting was a pivotal moment for the Texas Longhorns. It was a wake-up call that forced the players to acknowledge the impact that penalties were having on their success. Through a combination of accountability, discipline, and clear messaging, Sarkisian was able to change the culture around penalties and set the team on the path toward greater success.
As the Longhorns head into the future, Sarkisian’s approach to leadership and discipline will likely be remembered as a turning point in the program’s growth. It’s a reminder that in college football, success doesn’t just come from talent—it comes from the ability to execute, stay disciplined, and perform at a high level week after week. Through this “come to Jesus” meeting, Sarkisian reinforced that penalties are not just mistakes—they’re a reflection of the team’s commitment to excellence. For the Longhorns, that commitment is now stronger than ever.