In the ever-evolving world of college football, few stories are as compelling as that of Steve Sarkisian’s journey at the University of Texas. Just a few years ago, Sarkisian was considered a coach on the hot seat, with plenty of doubts surrounding his ability to restore the glory of a once-proud Texas Longhorns program. Fast forward to today, and Sarkisian is not only leading the Longhorns back into the national spotlight, but he has also secured a contract extension with Texas, after turning down several NFL interview offers. His ability to turn down those high-profile opportunities, coupled with his success on the field, has solidified his position as the head coach of the Longhorns, marking the beginning of what could be a new era for Texas football.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the reasons behind Sarkisian’s contract extension, what his decision to decline NFL interviews means for Texas, and the future outlook of the program under his leadership.
Sarkisian’s Rise to Prominence at Texas
When Steve Sarkisian took over as head coach of Texas in 2021, the program was coming off several years of mediocrity. The Longhorns, once one of the most dominant forces in college football, had not won a Big 12 Championship since 2009, and they had failed to compete at the level expected of a program with such historical prestige. Sarkisian’s hiring was met with cautious optimism, given his experience as both a head coach and an offensive coordinator at programs like USC, Washington, and Alabama. However, the pressure to deliver immediate results was palpable, and many questioned whether Sarkisian could turn things around in Austin.
In his first season, Sarkisian faced challenges, including an early-season loss to Arkansas and struggles in his first Big 12 campaign. Despite these hurdles, he showed promise in his ability to recruit top-tier talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball. His offense, led by standout quarterback Bijan Robinson and talented wide receivers, demonstrated flashes of brilliance, and there were signs that Texas was headed in the right direction.
2022 proved to be a breakthrough year. The Longhorns began to resemble a competitive and cohesive team again, winning several big games and showing resilience in tough matchups. The offense under Sarkisian’s tutelage continued to improve, with Texas ranking as one of the top teams in the nation in total offense and scoring. Moreover, Sarkisian began to recruit some of the top high school talents in the country, particularly in the state of Texas, ensuring the Longhorns’ future would be bright for years to come.
By the 2023 season, Texas was once again considered a legitimate contender, not only within the Big 12 but nationally as well. With a new quarterback in Quinn Ewers, the team appeared to be in sync with Sarkisian’s vision. Texas was back on the map as a college football powerhouse, and fans were increasingly excited about the direction of the program.
Declining NFL Interviews: A Commitment to Texas
As Sarkisian’s stock grew in the college football world, so too did interest from the NFL. NFL teams are always on the lookout for the next big head coach, and Sarkisian’s success at Texas made him an appealing candidate. In the 2023-2024 offseason, Sarkisian reportedly turned down multiple opportunities for interviews with NFL teams, a decision that not only surprised some but also signaled his long-term commitment to Texas.
Turning down NFL interviews was no small gesture. The NFL is considered the pinnacle of football coaching, and many college coaches see it as the ultimate career progression. However, Sarkisian’s decision to stay at Texas reflected his belief in what he’s building in Austin and his desire to see it through. He expressed a deep connection to the Longhorns program and a commitment to restoring Texas to national prominence.
For Texas fans, Sarkisian’s decision to decline NFL interest was seen as a strong endorsement of his faith in the program and its future. It reassured the Longhorn faithful that their head coach was not only invested in the present but also in the long-term trajectory of Texas football. It also sent a message to the recruits and players: Sarkisian is here to stay, and he believes in the program’s potential.
This decision ultimately helped solidify the Texas administration’s confidence in Sarkisian, leading to the university offering him a contract extension. This new deal, which comes with increased financial incentives, is a recognition of Sarkisian’s accomplishments, both on the field and in his ability to rebuild the program’s culture.
The Contract Extension: What Does It Mean for Texas?
Sarkisian’s contract extension is a significant step forward for both the coach and the program. By locking him in for the foreseeable future, Texas is ensuring stability at the top. In a world where college football coaching changes can be abrupt and often harmful to a program’s momentum, continuity is crucial. Sarkisian’s extension not only secures the coach’s future but also provides Texas with the stability it needs to continue growing as a national contender.
The extension also speaks to the program’s ambition moving forward. With the Longhorns preparing to enter the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the landscape of college football will be drastically altered. Sarkisian’s leadership will be essential in ensuring that Texas can compete at the highest level in one of the most competitive conferences in the nation. The extension shows that Texas is serious about making the transition to the SEC a successful one, and Sarkisian is the man they believe can lead them through this period of change.
Additionally, Sarkisian’s success in recruiting has been pivotal in the program’s resurgence. With the extension, Texas can now confidently continue to build on its recruiting momentum, attracting top talent from across the country. Sarkisian has already proven that he can develop high-caliber quarterbacks, as evidenced by his work with Quinn Ewers and his ability to foster dynamic offensive schemes. His continued presence at Texas will undoubtedly bolster the program’s recruiting efforts, making it an even more attractive destination for elite prospects.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future
The future of Texas football under Steve Sarkisian looks bright. The program is in a strong position, with a rising tide of talent and a culture that is beginning to reflect Sarkisian’s vision. The contract extension and his decision to stay at Texas signal that the Longhorns are on the verge of returning to national championship contention. With Sarkisian at the helm, Texas fans can expect a team that is competitive, innovative, and ready to take on the best the SEC has to offer.
Furthermore, Sarkisian’s ability to develop quarterbacks, implement dynamic offensive schemes, and recruit top talent gives Texas an edge over many of its competitors. As the Longhorns continue to build on the foundation Sarkisian has laid, the program is poised to become a perennial powerhouse in college football once again.
In the years to come, we may look back at this moment as the turning point for Texas football. Sarkisian’s decision to remain in Austin, combined with his contract extension, is a testament to his commitment to restoring the program to its former glory. Texas fans have plenty to be excited about as they look toward the future, and Steve Sarkisian’s tenure could very well be the beginning of a new, successful chapter in Longhorns history.