Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns

Will Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian Leave For the NFL?

Justin Rimpi

Just when you think you’ve seen it all in college football, the coaching carousel starts spinning a little earlier than usual. Right now, it’s making a stop in Austin, where Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian is apparently getting the itch for the Sunday league. Yes, you read that right. While Sark is busy game-planning for Mississippi State, whispers from the NFL grapevine are getting louder, suggesting he might be eyeing a jump back to the pros.

According to NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Sarkisian’s camp has been dropping hints to NFL front offices, letting them know he’s “interested” in potential head coaching gigs. It is like sending out your resume while you’re still clocked in at your current job, but on a multi-million-dollar scale.

So, Where Could Sarkisian Land?

The rumor mill is pointing directly at Nashville. The Tennessee Titans, who recently parted ways with Brian Callahan after a dismal run, could be a prime destination. Imagine Sarkisian, the quarterback whisperer, getting his hands on a top draft pick like Cam Ward. It is the kind of pairing that makes offensive coordinators drool and has Titans fans cautiously optimistic for the first time in a while. Plus, a reunion with former Longhorns like T’Vondre Sweat and Gunnar Helm would make for a nice little welcome party.

It is not a complete shocker. Sarkisian has a history in the NFL, having served as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons and a quarterbacks coach for the Raiders. He knows the league, but he’s never been the head honcho. This could be his shot to run the whole show.

What’s the Catch for Texas?

Losing Sarkisian would be a gut punch for the Longhorns. He dragged the program back to national relevance, securing two College Football Playoff appearances and posting a solid 42-19 record. He just signed a fat contract extension through 2031, with his salary climbing to nearly $11 million next year. Leaving now would be a bold, if not slightly chaotic, move.

But let’s be real, this season hasn’t been the fairy tale Texas fans were hoping for. With a 5-2 record and some nail-bitingly close wins, the pressure is on. Some might even say the much-hyped Sarkisian-Arch Manning partnership hasn’t quite delivered the offensive fireworks everyone expected. Could Sark be looking for an escape hatch before the seat gets too hot? It is a classic “Is it me, or is it you?” scenario.

For now, it’s all just talk. But in the wild world of football, where there’s smoke, there’s usually a private jet waiting on the tarmac. As the saying goes, coaches are either hiring or firing—or in Sarkisian’s case, maybe just browsing the “Help Wanted” ads in the big leagues.

Justin has been a sportswriter for nearly a decade. He has previously written for 247 Sports an Sports Illustrated.

More Great Content