The buzz around Austin is getting louder, and this time, it's not just offseason chatter. Steve Sarkisian's potential move from Texas football to the NFL is gaining traction, and for good reason. The Longhorns are back in the national spotlight, firmly entrenched in the SEC, and Sarkisian is at the heart of this resurgence.
Sarkisian has worked wonders, transforming Texas into a powerhouse once more. His efforts to stabilize the quarterback position, modernize the offense, and push the team back into the College Football Playoff conversation have not gone unnoticed. The NFL is certainly paying attention.
Parker Thune from OU Insider suggests there's a "very real chance" Sarkisian might leave Texas in the next couple of years. This wouldn't be a departure marked by discord with the university; rather, it could be a matter of opportunity knocking, and Sarkisian has a history of answering such calls.
Before his return to college football, Sarkisian was the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, where he showcased his knack for quarterback development, creative route concepts, and adaptable formations-qualities highly coveted in today's NFL. Teams are always on the lookout for offensive innovators who can maximize young quarterbacks, and Sarkisian fits the bill perfectly.
Financially, Texas can compete with NFL teams, so this wouldn't be about money. It's about the challenge, the legacy, and the timing.
The college football landscape is evolving rapidly with NIL deals, transfer portal dynamics, and expanded playoff politics becoming daily concerns for head coaches. Some thrive in this environment, while others might prefer the structured nature of the NFL, where roster control is more straightforward and recruiting battles are less intense.
For now, both Sarkisian and Texas officials are downplaying the speculation. But in the fast-paced world of coaching, all it takes is the right NFL owner, the right quarterback opening, and the right contract to change everything.
Sarkisian has revitalized Texas football. The real question now is, if the NFL comes calling, will he pick up the phone?