For the second consecutive season, Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns have made their mark by reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals. This impressive achievement has not gone unnoticed, as it raises questions about the future of Sarkisian and the potential interest from NFL teams.
Could Sarkisian’s success lead to NFL interest?
NFL insider Adam Schefter recently commented on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown,” suggesting that Sarkisian’s success at Texas might attract attention from professional football teams. However, not everyone is convinced that this interest is genuine. Andy Staples from the “Andy & Ari” On3 podcast offered a different perspective, hinting that any rumors linking Sarkisian to the NFL might be more about leveraging his success for a pay raise at Texas.
Sarkisian’s coaching journey
Despite spending the majority of his career in college football, Sarkisian has had a taste of the NFL. He served as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons from 2017 to 2018 before transitioning to Alabama, where he played a pivotal role in helping the Crimson Tide secure a national title in 2020. His success in college football ultimately led him to the head coaching position at Texas, where he has continued to build a competitive program.
Texas Longhorns making waves
This season, the Longhorns have demonstrated their prowess on the field, with their only two losses coming against the formidable Georgia Bulldogs, including a tough defeat in the SEC Championship game last month. Since then, Texas has bounced back, defeating both Clemson and Arizona State to set up a highly anticipated clash with the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl.
The upcoming game, scheduled to take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is expected to feel like a home game for Sarkisian and his team. With the stakes high, the Longhorns will be looking to prove themselves against one of the hottest teams in college football.
Facing the Ohio State challenge
Ohio State enters this matchup with an impressive track record, having recently defeated Tennessee and Oregon on their path to the Cotton Bowl. As Staples pointed out, this game will serve as a significant test for Sarkisian’s roster construction and coaching strategy.
“He is interesting,” Staples remarked about Sarkisian. “I like the way he’s developed Texas, but I also think … there’s nothing that screams great pro coach versus great college. The things that he’s done at Texas that are really good — building NFL draft picks, recruiting offensive linemen well and then scheming them up — the roster construction is unique to college.”
The potential for a national championship
If Sarkisian can lead the Longhorns past the Buckeyes and into the national championship game, he will solidify his legacy in Austin. The Longhorns have not claimed a national title since 2005, when Vince Young delivered a legendary performance against USC in the Rose Bowl. A victory in this postseason could reignite the passion and pride of Texas football fans, who have been waiting for a return to glory.
As the Longhorns prepare for this crucial matchup, the excitement is palpable. Will Sarkisian’s coaching acumen be enough to outmaneuver Ohio State’s formidable roster? The answer to that question could have significant implications not only for Texas but also for Sarkisian’s future in coaching.
Looking ahead: Sarkisian’s future
The speculation surrounding Sarkisian’s potential move to the NFL is intriguing, but it raises an important question: Is he truly ready to make that leap? As Staples noted, the skills required to succeed at the college level can differ significantly from those needed in the professional ranks. While Sarkisian has shown he can develop talent and build a competitive team, the transition to the NFL is not always seamless.
With the Longhorns on the brink of potentially achieving greatness, the focus for now remains on their upcoming game against Ohio State. If Sarkisian can navigate this challenge and lead his team to victory, it may not only bolster his reputation but also provide Texas with the momentum needed to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in college football.
As the Cotton Bowl approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. The outcome of this game could shape the future of Sarkisian and the Longhorns, making it a pivotal moment in the landscape of college football. Will Texas rise to the occasion, or will they fall short against a determined Ohio State squad? Only time will tell.
