Texas Coach Sarkisian Seeks Opportunities in NFL Transition
The Texas Longhorns, currently ranked No. 22, have faced challenges this season with a 5-2 record. Despite starting the year as the top preseason team, the Longhorns have struggled, losing to the No. 3 Ohio State and the Florida Gators. The Buckeyes remain a dominant force this season, while the Gators recently fired head coach Billy Napier after a disappointing 3-4 start.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian is under pressure to improve Texas’s performance. His partnership with quarterback Arch Manning has not met expectations, as evidenced by the recent 16-13 overtime victory against Kentucky in Week 8.
Coach Sarkisian’s NFL Aspirations
While Manning is not expected to enter the NFL until at least 2026, Sarkisian is reportedly exploring opportunities in the professional league. According to Dianna Russini from The Athletic, Sarkisian’s representatives are reaching out regarding potential head coaching vacancies, specifically the Tennessee Titans position.
With significant investment in the Texas football program, the pressure on Sarkisian is mounting. Manning currently holds the highest NIL valuation in college football, adding to the expectations for he and Sarkisian to perform well.
Coaching Record Overview
| Team | Record | Conference Record |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Longhorns | 42-19 | 25-12 |
| Washington Huskies | 34-29 | N/A |
| USC Trojans | 12-6 | N/A |
Sarkisian led the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff in both 2023 and 2024. He signed a contract extension in February that extends through 2031, with a salary of $10.8 million anticipated in 2025.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen if Sarkisian will secure any serious interviews within the NFL.
