Despite the looming challenge of the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian finds himself at the center of speculation regarding potential NFL coaching vacancies. As the college football landscape heats up, the interest in Sarkisian’s coaching prowess is palpable, especially with several NFL teams searching for new leadership.
NFL teams eye Sarkisian
The New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, and New York Jets are all in the midst of a search for their next head coach. These franchises are looking for someone who can turn their fortunes around, and Sarkisian’s name has surfaced as a candidate. University of Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte addressed the swirling rumors, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the upcoming game rather than engaging in speculation.
“We’ve got a game to play,” Del Conte told the Houston Chronicle. “I’m not going to comment. Somebody’s just creating fodder before our biggest game. That’s stupid.”
Sarkisian’s journey in coaching
Steve Sarkisian’s coaching career has been a rollercoaster ride. He started as the quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders in 2004, gaining valuable experience in the NFL. His most notable stint in the professional realm came when he served as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons from 2017 to 2018. However, his time in Atlanta was marked by struggles, as the team’s points per game dropped significantly during his first year in charge.
After being let go by the Falcons before the 2019 season, Sarkisian made a triumphant return to college football. He joined Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama, where he played a crucial role in leading the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 2020. That season was particularly memorable, as DeVonta Smith captured the Heisman Trophy, showcasing Sarkisian’s ability to develop top talent.
Texas Longhorns on the rise
Sarkisian’s success at Alabama caught the attention of the Texas Longhorns, leading to his appointment as head coach in Austin. Under his leadership, Texas has experienced a resurgence, becoming a nationally relevant program once again. The Longhorns came agonizingly close to reaching the national title game in 2023, only to watch Michigan claim the championship. This trajectory has sparked excitement among Texas fans, who are eager to see their team return to glory.
Focus on the Cotton Bowl
With the rumors surrounding his future, Sarkisian must maintain his focus on the immediate challenge at hand. The Texas Longhorns are set to face a formidable opponent in the Ohio State Buckeyes, who have been on a tear, defeating Tennessee and Oregon to reach the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Sarkisian knows that distractions could derail his team’s chances.
Texas has its own challenges to address, especially after nearly squandering a 16-point lead against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Quarterback Quinn Ewers will need to rise to the occasion, facing a motivated Ohio State defense that has been relentless in its pursuit of opposing quarterbacks. The Buckeyes have emerged as the favorites to win the national title, according to FanDuel, adding further pressure on Sarkisian and his squad.
Speculation or strategy?
The buzz around Sarkisian’s potential move to the NFL has led to various interpretations of the situation. NFL insider Adam Schefter fueled the fire by suggesting that teams without head coaches might be interested in Sarkisian’s services. On the “Andy & Ari” On3 podcast, analyst Andy Staples proposed an alternative perspective, hinting that the speculation could be a strategic play to secure Sarkisian a raise at Texas.
“It’s probably more of a ‘let’s get our man a raise’ play,” Staples said to his co-host, Ari Wasserman.
As the Cotton Bowl approaches, it’s essential for Sarkisian to channel the noise surrounding his future into motivation for his players. The Longhorns have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency will be crucial against a talented Ohio State team.
The road ahead for Sarkisian and Texas
The upcoming matchup against Ohio State is not just another game; it’s a chance for Sarkisian to solidify his position as one of college football’s top coaches. A victory could further elevate his stock, potentially leading to more NFL interest. However, the focus must remain on executing the game plan and harnessing the talent at his disposal.
In the world of college football, speculation is a constant companion for successful coaches. As Sarkisian navigates the pressures of the Cotton Bowl and the whispers of NFL interest, one thing remains clear: his commitment to the Texas Longhorns and their pursuit of excellence is unwavering. The game on Friday will not only be a test of skill and strategy but also a defining moment in Sarkisian’s coaching journey.
As fans gear up for what promises to be an electrifying showdown, all eyes will be on Sarkisian and the Longhorns. Will they rise to the occasion and secure a victory, or will the distractions of the NFL rumors overshadow their efforts? The answers will unfold on the field, where the true passion for college football reigns supreme.
