A recent report has reignited speculation that Texas football head coach Steve Sarkisian may be eyeing a return to the NFL, though insiders question whether that interest is mutual.
Just hours before Texas faced Mississippi State on the road, The Athletic reported that Sarkisian could be open to leaving Austin for an NFL head coaching job. While this isn’t entirely new information, the timing of the report — during an already turbulent season for Texas — has sparked intense conversation across both college and professional football circles.
According to CBS Sports, there’s growing belief that Sarkisian’s representatives have quietly communicated with NFL decision-makers about his openness to future opportunities. ESPN’s Diana Russini added on X (formerly Twitter):
“I’m told that representatives for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian have let NFL decision-makers know that he would be interested in potential head-coaching openings, including the Titans.”
Texas’ Offensive Woes Add Pressure to Sarkisian’s Season
The Longhorns are coming off one of their worst offensive performances of the Sarkisian era, scraping out a 16-13 overtime win against Kentucky — the lowest-ranked team in the SEC — while managing only 179 total yards.
It’s been a difficult season for Texas football, one that’s fallen short of the lofty expectations set in preseason. The Longhorns currently sit at No. 22 with slim hopes of returning to the College Football Playoff. As the offense continues to sputter, Sarkisian is facing mounting questions about his play-calling and the performance of his coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator and line coach Kyle Flood.
Sarkisian’s NFL Ambitions: Real or Recycled?
This isn’t the first time Sarkisian’s name has surfaced in NFL coaching rumors. Sources told CBS Sports that over a month ago, he was expected to have interest in the Miami Dolphins job if it became available. Reports also linked him to the Tennessee Titans’ vacancy after the team fired Brian Callahan following a 1-5 start.
Still, league insiders remain skeptical about whether NFL franchises will reciprocate Sarkisian’s interest this hiring cycle. Despite his offensive expertise, his previous NFL stint as Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator (2017–18) ended in dismissal, and his past battle with alcoholism — which led to his 2015 firing from USC — remains part of his public narrative. Sarkisian has since been open about his recovery, stating that he has been sober since 2016 and rebuilt his career successfully at Alabama, helping the Crimson Tide capture the 2020 national championship.
NFL’s Uneasy Relationship with College Coaches
Sarkisian isn’t alone in being linked to NFL coaching searches. Names like Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame), Matt Campbell (Iowa State), and Dan Lanning (Oregon) have surfaced as well. However, the league has been cautious about hiring directly from the college ranks following the struggles of Urban Meyer, Matt Rhule, and Kliff Kingsbury.
The exception has been Jim Harbaugh, who successfully transitioned from Michigan to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024 after previously leading the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance.
Sarkisian’s Legacy at Texas in Question
Since taking over Texas football in 2021, Steve Sarkisian has compiled an impressive 42-19 record, led the Longhorns to consecutive College Football Playoff appearances, and secured the program’s first-ever No. 1-ranked recruiting class earlier this year.
Yet, this season has been anything but smooth. Preseason No. 1 Texas has stumbled to a 5-2 record, with losses to Ohio State and Florida, and a shaky overtime win over Kentucky that exposed offensive weaknesses.
The Longhorns now rank 80th in scoring offense, 80th in passing, and 84th in total offense — far below expectations for a team known for its offensive prowess. First-year starter Arch Manning has struggled to find rhythm, while the offensive line and receiving corps have failed to meet the high standard Sarkisian set in previous seasons.
When asked this week if he might bench Manning or hand off play-calling duties, Sarkisian stood firm:
“That’s why I got hired,” he said. “I was a really good offensive coordinator, so I just believe in what we’re able to do.”
What’s Next for Sarkisian and Texas?
Sarkisian remains one of the highest-paid coaches in college football, earning $10.8 million annually under a contract that runs through 2031. Despite his recent success and the talent he’s brought to Austin, the current season’s inconsistencies and rumors of NFL interest have raised tough questions about his long-term commitment and Texas’ future direction.
Whether the NFL coaching rumor mill turns into reality remains uncertain. But one thing is clear — as Texas fights to salvage its season, Steve Sarkisian’s next move will be closely watched by both college football insiders and NFL executives alike.
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