The world of college football is filled with rumors, speculation, and the occasional sensational headline that takes off in the media and spins out of control. This time, the Texas Longhorns found themselves in the crosshairs of NFL rumors involving their head coach, Steve Sarkisian. It all began when Sarkisian’s name was suddenly linked to potential NFL coaching positions, sparking a wave of media buzz that quickly reached fever pitch. However, Texas Longhorns Athletic Director Chris Del Conte didn’t just dismiss the rumors — he flat-out laughed them off, calling the idea “stupid.”
The Backstory: Sarkisian’s Name in NFL Rumors
Steve Sarkisian has done a remarkable job at the University of Texas since taking over as head coach in January 2021. After a rocky first season that was filled with growing pains, the 2022 season showed significant improvement. Sarkisian’s offensive schemes, combined with his ability to develop talent, had Texas looking much more competitive and poised for future success. The Longhorns finished the 2022 season with a solid 8-5 record and were a much-improved team under Sarkisian’s leadership.
As the Longhorns’ offense grew stronger, so did Sarkisian’s reputation as one of the top minds in the game. His success at Texas, combined with his previous experience as an offensive coordinator in both college football and the NFL, made him a figure that was always going to attract attention from the next level. But that doesn’t necessarily mean his future lies in the NFL.
However, the NFL rumor mill doesn’t stop turning, and when the Dallas Cowboys and other NFL teams began experiencing struggles during their respective seasons, there was a natural inclination from some members of the media to start connecting the dots. This led to speculation that a potential NFL job might be in Sarkisian’s future. The rumors were based on nothing more than loose connections — and, of course, a general understanding that a coach like Sarkisian, with his experience and knowledge of the game, would eventually get a shot at the NFL again.
Del Conte Responds: ‘That’s Stupid’
Chris Del Conte, the Texas Longhorns athletic director, didn’t take too kindly to these rumors. During a press conference, he was asked about the swirling speculation that Steve Sarkisian might be lured to the NFL. Del Conte, known for his bluntness and no-nonsense attitude, responded with a sharp retort: “That’s stupid.”
Del Conte’s quick dismissal of the rumors wasn’t just a defense of Sarkisian’s loyalty to Texas, but also an expression of his belief in the stability and future of the program under the current head coach. In the world of college athletics, coaches often get caught up in these kinds of rumors, particularly when they have a history in the NFL like Sarkisian. Yet, Del Conte’s response shows just how seriously the Texas program takes the stability of its leadership.
Sarkisian’s position at Texas is not just a stepping stone; it’s a pivotal role for the future of the university’s athletics. With the Longhorns moving to the SEC in 2024, the pressure on Sarkisian to build a championship contender only increases. His work at Texas, particularly with the development of quarterback Quinn Ewers and the rise of an explosive offense, has been foundational to the program’s trajectory.
Del Conte’s remark can be seen as a message to the media and fans alike: Sarkisian is not leaving, and he is committed to the success of the Longhorns.
The Bigger Picture: What Makes These NFL Rumors “Stupid”?
At first glance, calling the NFL rumors “stupid” may seem a bit harsh, but Del Conte’s words make a lot of sense when you break it down. Here’s why:
- Sarkisian’s Commitment to Texas
Despite the occasional chatter about the NFL, Sarkisian has made it clear he is focused on his work at Texas. When he took over the Longhorns, he didn’t just inherit a program; he inherited a culture that had experienced some turmoil and instability. Sarkisian’s main goal has been to bring Texas back to national prominence and restore it to a championship-caliber program. Moving to the NFL in the middle of this project would seem counterproductive, especially with the increased spotlight on the team as they prepare for a major move to the SEC.
- Texas’s Imminent Move to the SEC
Perhaps one of the most significant factors in this discussion is Texas’s upcoming transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This move is going to be a game-changer for the Longhorns, and Sarkisian is the man who will be tasked with navigating this major shift in competition. The SEC is one of the most competitive football conferences in the country, and Texas is aiming to be a serious contender within it. Sarkisian’s deep understanding of college football, his offensive acumen, and his recruitment strategies are vital to the Longhorns’ success in this transition.
Why would Sarkisian walk away from all of this? The NFL isn’t going anywhere, but this opportunity with Texas — during one of the most crucial moments in the program’s history — is too valuable to walk away from.
- Sarkisian’s Past in the NFL
Sarkisian’s background includes multiple stints in the NFL, most notably as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. His ability to work at both the NFL and college levels makes him a desirable candidate for any future NFL openings. However, his move to Texas has shown that he enjoys the challenge of building a program from the ground up. The level of control, recruiting power, and the connection with young athletes at the college level is something that’s often absent in the NFL. Sarkisian’s success as an offensive mind in college football has a significant impact on the future of Texas, which could be more rewarding than anything he might find at the professional level.
- The NFL is Not Always a Perfect Fit for Every Coach
It’s important to remember that not every college coach wants to make the leap to the NFL. The NFL requires a completely different set of skills. In addition to handling the pressures of the game itself, an NFL head coach must also manage established veteran players with their own personal and professional goals. The dynamic of coaching in the NFL is vastly different from the college system, where there is more of an emphasis on development and building young talent. Sarkisian, with his background, might be more inclined to stay in a college program where he can build something long-term rather than deal with the high turnover and pressure of the NFL.
Conclusion: Why the Rumors Won’t Stick
At the end of the day, Chris Del Conte’s quick dismissal of the NFL rumors surrounding Steve Sarkisian makes a lot of sense. Sarkisian has unfinished business at Texas, and with the program on the rise, there’s little reason to believe he’ll abandon it in favor of a jump to the NFL anytime soon. The rumors were, as Del Conte said, “stupid” in the sense that they lacked substance or any real foundation. Sarkisian is firmly entrenched in his role as the Texas Longhorns’ head coach, with plenty of work left to do — both in the Big 12 and as the team prepares for its jump to the SEC.
In the world of college football, coaches are often targets of rumors, especially when they’re successful. However, sometimes the best course of action is to laugh them off, as Del Conte did. Texas fans can rest assured that their head coach isn’t going anywhere — at least not anytime soon.
