As the 2023 college football season heads into its final stretch, one of the most talked-about coaches is Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns. After years of rebuilding and significant challenges, Sarkisian has managed to elevate the Texas program to new heights, and his work has not gone unnoticed. Recently, Sarkisian was named a semifinalist for the prestigious Coach of the Year Award, a testament to the incredible strides the Longhorns have made under his leadership. This recognition comes at a pivotal time for both Sarkisian and the Texas football program, as they look to continue their resurgence in the competitive world of college football.
The Journey to Success: Sarkisian’s Impact at Texas
Steve Sarkisian’s journey to becoming a coach of the year candidate has been anything but easy. Hired by Texas in January 2021, Sarkisian inherited a program that had seen its fair share of struggles in recent years. Despite the school’s rich history, Texas had failed to live up to its expectations, with inconsistent play, poor recruiting, and several disappointing seasons. The Longhorns had been trying to recapture their former glory for nearly a decade, and there were questions surrounding whether Sarkisian, a coach with previous stints at Washington and USC, could be the one to finally turn the ship around.
Sarkisian’s track record as an offensive coordinator at Alabama, where he helped guide the Crimson Tide to a national championship and developed one of the most potent offenses in college football, provided hope for a Texas offense in desperate need of a makeover. However, inheriting a program with so much history and pressure was always going to be a difficult challenge. Sarkisian’s first season was a rollercoaster, as the team finished with a 5-7 record. While there were flashes of potential, it was clear that Sarkisian needed time to put his stamp on the program and develop the players and culture necessary to succeed at the highest level.
The 2023 season, however, has proven to be the turning point. Under Sarkisian’s guidance, Texas has not only become one of the top teams in the Big 12 but has also positioned itself as a legitimate contender on the national stage. Sarkisian’s success in 2023 has propelled Texas back into the College Football Playoff discussion and has helped him earn the recognition as one of the country’s best coaches.
Sarkisian’s Offensive Revolution
One of the most notable aspects of Steve Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas has been his ability to revitalize the Longhorns’ offense. Texas has long been known for its rich tradition of producing top-tier talent, but in recent years, the offense had been inconsistent and lacked the explosiveness that many fans expected from a program of Texas’ caliber. In 2023, however, Sarkisian has brought a new level of offensive firepower to the team.
Sarkisian’s offensive scheme is dynamic, fast-paced, and designed to take advantage of mismatches. Under his tutelage, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has developed into one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Ewers has showcased his strong arm, impressive mobility, and ability to make quick decisions, all key components of Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy. Sarkisian has also leaned heavily on Texas’ impressive stable of running backs, making use of the talented backs to keep opposing defenses on their toes. The Longhorns’ offensive line, often a point of weakness for the program in previous seasons, has shown significant improvement under Sarkisian’s watch.
The results have been apparent on the field. Texas has been able to move the ball efficiently, averaging impressive yards per game and ranking near the top of the Big 12 and nationally in offensive categories. The Longhorns have also become more balanced, with a mix of explosive passing plays and dominant runs that keep defenses guessing. Sarkisian’s offense has produced several highlight-worthy moments, from long touchdown passes to powerful rushing touchdowns, giving fans a glimpse of what the future of Texas football might look like under his leadership.
Defensive Improvements and the Balanced Team Approach
While Sarkisian is primarily known for his work on the offensive side of the ball, one of his most significant accomplishments this season has been the overall improvement of the Texas defense. Historically, the Longhorns have struggled defensively, often giving up too many big plays and struggling to stop high-powered offenses. However, Sarkisian has worked hard to build a more complete team, and the Texas defense has stepped up in 2023.
Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, who was brought in by Sarkisian, has played a crucial role in the Longhorns’ defensive resurgence. The defense has been able to apply more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, creating turnovers and limiting the effectiveness of opponents’ offenses. Texas’ defensive line, led by stars like T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II, has become one of the most disruptive in the country. Linebacker Jaylan Ford has also been a standout, providing leadership and consistency in the middle of the defense.
The improvement on both sides of the ball has helped Texas become a more balanced and formidable team. Unlike in previous years, where the Longhorns often found themselves in shootouts, the 2023 team has been able to win in multiple ways—whether it’s relying on a high-scoring offense or stifling the opponent with strong defensive play. This balance has been a key factor in Texas’ success this season and has played a large part in earning Sarkisian his Coach of the Year semifinalist recognition.
Recruiting and Building the Future
In addition to the on-field improvements, Steve Sarkisian has also made great strides in recruiting, which is one of the most important aspects of long-term success in college football. Texas is known for its vast recruiting base, and under Sarkisian, the Longhorns have been able to attract top talent both in-state and nationally. Sarkisian has been able to recruit athletes who fit his system, with a focus on both skill position players and the big men in the trenches.
The recruiting success is evident in the number of freshmen and sophomores making an impact for Texas in 2023. With a strong mix of experienced players and promising underclassmen, the Longhorns are not just a team to watch in the present—they are also positioning themselves for sustained success in the years to come. Sarkisian’s ability to develop young talent while maintaining a competitive team on the field has helped make Texas one of the most promising programs in the country.
Sarkisian’s Coach of the Year Semifinalist Recognition
The announcement that Steve Sarkisian has been named a semifinalist for the Coach of the Year Award is the culmination of all his hard work and the success of his program in 2023. This recognition is not just a reflection of his tactical brilliance or the performance of the Texas team but also a testament to his growth as a coach. Sarkisian has learned from his early struggles and has become a more well-rounded leader, able to balance both offense and defense while fostering a culture of success at Texas.
This recognition is also significant because it places Sarkisian among the elite coaches in college football. Competing with the likes of Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, and Dabo Swinney is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about Sarkisian’s ability to get the best out of his players and his program. While winning the award is certainly a coveted achievement, being named a semifinalist is an acknowledgment of just how far Texas has come under his leadership.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Texas Football
As the 2023 season continues to unfold, Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns are poised to make a run at the College Football Playoff. The team is playing at an incredibly high level, and with Sarkisian at the helm, the future looks bright for the Longhorns. His success this season has not only elevated the program but has solidified his position as one of the top coaches in the country.
Regardless of whether Texas ultimately makes the College Football Playoff, Sarkisian has already proven that he is capable of turning around a program and building a sustained contender. His work in 2023 is just the beginning, and the Longhorns are poised to remain a force in college football for years to come.
As Steve Sarkisian continues to lead Texas toward greater heights, his recognition as a Coach of the Year semifinalist serves as a reminder of his hard work, resilience, and ability to build a program that is once again on the national map. For Longhorns fans, the future has never looked brighter.