Kelvin Banks, the All-American tackle from Texas, has a vivid memory from earlier this season that has significantly influenced the Longhorns’ journey to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. During a game against Michigan, with Texas comfortably ahead, Banks missed a crucial block in the fourth quarter. When he returned to the sideline, head coach Steve Sarkisian did not hold back in his criticism.
“Don’t do all this, don’t do all that,” Banks recalled Sarkisian saying. Initially, Banks felt frustrated, thinking, “We already won.” However, he quickly realized that Sarkisian’s tough love was aimed at making him a better player. “From that point on, I kind of understood, ‘Hey, it means a lot to him, so it means a lot to me,’” Banks reflected. This moment encapsulates the ethos that has propelled Texas back into the national spotlight.
Building Relationships for Success
At the core of Sarkisian’s revival of the Texas football program is his ability to forge strong relationships with his players. He is approachable and invested in their well-being off the field, yet he maintains high expectations and isn’t afraid to challenge them when necessary. This balance has fostered a culture of respect and accountability among the Longhorns.
“He always tells you what’s best for you and not what you want to hear,” running back Jaydon Blue shared. “And I think that’s huge for players, because not only do they know that is the truth, but they also know that it’s a coach that has their back and has their best interest.” This kind of support is vital in a high-pressure environment like college football, where mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of success.
Sarkisian has also introduced initiatives like ‘Culture Wednesdays,’ where small groups of players come together to bond and share personal stories. Quarterback Quinn Ewers emphasized the importance of these gatherings, stating, “It’s pretty personal what we talk about as a group of men that I think is very special.” This focus on team-building has been instrumental in creating a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level.
Mastering the Head Coach Role
Sarkisian’s success is not just about player relationships; it also stems from his ability to navigate the complexities of being a head coach in today’s college football landscape. The resources and recruiting advantages at Texas have always been evident, but aligning the interests of boosters, athletic directors, and players has often been a challenge.
In the era of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), managing the financial landscape has become increasingly intricate. However, Sarkisian has effectively streamlined this process. In his second season, five separate Texas collectives came together to form the Texas One Fund, providing clarity and direction for the program’s financial strategy.
“From Day 1, there has been one vision of the program, from Sark to the athletic director to the boosters,” offensive coordinator Kyle Flood noted. This unified approach has been crucial in establishing a solid foundation for Texas football.
Handling Quarterback Dynamics
This season, Sarkisian faced a potential distraction with two elite quarterbacks in Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. Ewers had been playing exceptionally well before an injury sidelined him for two games, allowing Manning to step in and showcase his talents. Despite the media speculation about a quarterback controversy, Sarkisian was clear: Ewers would remain the starter when healthy.
Flood pointed out that Sarkisian’s experience managing multiple talented quarterbacks has been invaluable. “Everybody in the organization knows their role,” he explained. “In our building, there’s no lack of clarity.” This clear communication has helped maintain focus on the ultimate goal: winning.
Reviving a Historic Program
Sarkisian’s efforts have revitalized a program that has struggled to find its footing over the past decade. Before his arrival, Texas had only one Top 10 finish in 13 years, often ending seasons outside the Top 25. Now, the Longhorns are back in the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year, a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the coaching staff and players.
Texas went 5-7 in Sarkisian’s first year, but he remained confident in the foundation being laid for future success. “I think he had a real plan when he took the job, and he hasn’t deviated from that plan,” said Texas QB coach A.J. Milwee. This consistency has been key to building a championship-caliber program.
Chasing a National Title
As the Longhorns prepare for their playoff games, the focus is clear: win two more games and secure the program’s first national title since the legendary Vince Young led them to victory in the Rose Bowl after the 2005 season. Banks, who joined the program after Sarkisian’s first year, believes in the vision laid out for him.
“They sold me on it, and I believed them,” Banks said. “And now we’re here playing to get to that championship.” With back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, the Longhorns are poised to make a significant impact on the national stage.
As Texas continues its quest for glory, the lessons learned, relationships built, and strategies implemented under Sarkisian’s leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their pursuit of a championship. The excitement is palpable, and the Longhorns are ready to seize the moment.
