Steve Sarkisian will apparently remain the coach at Texas, the program announced (and Sarkisian confirmed) in a social media post. Sarkisian led the Longhorns to a Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff appearance during his third season leading the program. Coming to an agreement swiftly became a priority once Sarkisian’s name became connected with the Alabama job following legendary coach Nick Saban’s retirement. Sarkisian served as the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator in 2019 and 2020 under Saban before landing the Texas job.
Though just 13-12 in his first two seasons, in 2023 Sarkisian delivered the program’s best season since 2009. Texas won at Alabama on Sept. 9, catapulting the Longhorns to No. 4 in the AP poll and establishing the season’s trajectory.
Despite a loss against rival Oklahoma on Oct. 7, Texas cruised to its first conference title since 2009 with a 49-21 drubbing of Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship Game to secure its place in the College Football Playoff. Once there, Texas fell 37-31 to Washington in a dramatic Sugar Bowl.
Sarkisian, 49, brings a wealth of experience to the job, having previously served as head coach at Washington and USC, in addition to his Alabama experience and a stint as offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons. His offensive pedigree paid dividends in 2023 as the Longhorns ranked No. 9 nationally in total offense with a balanced attack that produced over 660 yards on two occasions.
Foundation for the future
Texas is entering a new chapter in its storied history this year as the Longhorns prepare to join the SEC. In addition to the uptick in competition Texas will face in the 16-team super conference, the Longhorns also have a Sept. 7 game against reigning national champion…
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