Steve Sarkisian’s audacious decision to prevent Texas staff loss will determine Arch Manning’s destiny.

As the Texas Longhorns continue to build towards a new era under head coach Steve Sarkisian, there is one clear and unmistakable fact: the future of Texas football, particularly its offense, hinges on one name—Arch Manning. The highly touted freshman quarterback from New Orleans, one of the most hyped recruits in recent college football history, is expected to play a central role in Texas’ success for years to come. But Arch Manning’s future, and indeed Texas’ chances of returning to national prominence, will not solely depend on his abilities as a quarterback. Much of his trajectory, and Texas’ ability to compete for championships, may well depend on a strategic and audacious decision made by Steve Sarkisian—preventing staff departures.

Sarkisian’s audacious decision to safeguard his assistant coaches, particularly those on the offensive side of the ball, could prove to be the defining move in ensuring that Manning’s development is given every possible advantage. Texas’ staff turnover—especially in the position of offensive coordinator, quarterback coach, and other key roles—has been a challenge in recent years, with high-profile coaches leaving for promotions or better opportunities. Sarkisian’s ability to retain critical staff members and secure stability within his coaching ranks may ultimately decide not only the trajectory of Manning’s career but also the long-term success of Texas football.

1. Arch Manning’s Arrival and the Unprecedented Hype

Before diving into the specifics of Sarkisian’s strategy to prevent staff losses, it’s important to first understand why Arch Manning’s arrival at Texas is such a monumental event. Manning, the grandson of NFL legend Archie Manning, the nephew of Peyton Manning, and the cousin of Eli Manning, carries a family legacy unlike any other in college football. His high school career at Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans was legendary, drawing attention not only for his on-field talent but also his cool-headedness and maturity. He enters Texas as the No. 1 ranked quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class, with an almost mythical status.

Manning’s commitment to Texas has injected new life into the program, and expectations for his collegiate career are sky-high. The promise of Manning leading Texas to its first national championship in over a decade has ignited excitement throughout the fanbase and set the stage for a new era in Austin. However, while Manning’s potential is undeniable, the key to unlocking it lies not only in his innate talent but in the guidance and stability of those around him—especially the coaching staff.

2. Sarkisian’s Offensive Philosophy: The Importance of Consistency

Steve Sarkisian, in his second stint as a head coach, has shown a remarkable ability to develop quarterbacks and offensive systems. His coaching pedigree, which includes stints as the offensive coordinator at Alabama and USC, has earned him a reputation for offensive brilliance. Under Sarkisian, Texas has seen its offense evolve, with significant strides in quarterback development, offensive line play, and receiving talent. However, one of the most critical aspects of Sarkisian’s offense is his ability to nurture quarterbacks—to not only call plays but to mentor and develop the leaders under center.

Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy revolves around creating a balanced attack that mixes dynamic passing concepts with a strong running game. For Manning to succeed, he will need a coaching staff that can maximize his unique skill set, provide consistency in his development, and allow him to grow into the leader Texas fans hope he will become. For this reason, Sarkisian’s ability to retain his coaching staff—particularly his quarterback coaches, offensive line coaches, and wide receivers coaches—will be pivotal.

When a quarterback enters college football with the level of expectation that Manning has, the first few years are crucial to his development. That’s why maintaining the same core group of offensive coaches who understand Manning’s potential and know how to shape his game is essential. Inconsistent coaching changes, especially within the offensive ranks, can lead to instability and confusion, preventing Manning from fully reaching his potential. On the flip side, continuity and stability will allow him to develop a deep understanding of the system and foster trust with his coaches and teammates.

3. The Coaching Carousel and Texas’ Struggles with Retaining Staff

One of the significant challenges that Texas has faced in recent years has been the coaching carousel, particularly in the offensive ranks. Sarkisian’s predecessor, Tom Herman, also faced similar difficulties in keeping coaching staff intact, particularly after his initial success in 2018. The challenges of staff turnover have plagued Texas in the past, and as Sarkisian builds the program around Manning, he faces a pressing need to prevent key coaches from leaving.

In particular, two coaches will be crucial for Manning’s development: A.J. Milwee, who is the quarterbacks coach, and Kyle Flood, who serves as the offensive line coach. Milwee, in particular, will be tasked with ensuring Manning’s progression, refining his mechanics, and helping him adjust to the speed and complexity of college football. Flood’s work with the offensive line will directly impact Manning’s success, as a strong, cohesive offensive line is essential for protecting the quarterback and giving him time to operate. Any changes to these positions could disrupt Manning’s development and the overall offensive strategy.

Additionally, wide receivers coach Brennan Marion, a rising star in the coaching world, will be another crucial figure in Texas’ offensive success. His ability to develop Texas’ wide receiver corps and create space for Manning to showcase his arm talent will be a key factor in the team’s success. The continuity in these positions will ultimately give Manning the best chance to shine.

However, the specter of staff turnover looms large. College football is a highly competitive environment, and top-tier coaches often attract attention from other programs, making it difficult for even the most successful teams to retain their key staff. With programs across the country constantly looking for new coaching talent, Sarkisian must be prepared to both protect his staff and ensure that they remain invested in the future of the program.

4. Sarkisian’s Strategy to Prevent Staff Loss

Steve Sarkisian has already made it clear that his focus is not just on the development of his players but also on creating a long-term, sustainable program. This requires ensuring stability at every level, including the coaching staff. To prevent staff losses, Sarkisian is likely to employ several strategies that could shape Texas’ success over the next several seasons.

Contract Extensions and Salary Adjustments: One of the primary ways Sarkisian can prevent staff losses is by offering contract extensions and salary increases to key coaches. Given the high demand for talented assistant coaches in college football, competitive salaries and incentives can help keep staff members happy and committed to Texas. Sarkisian has already shown a willingness to invest in his coaches, offering significant resources to his staff. Keeping his assistants well-compensated will help mitigate the risk of them leaving for other programs.

Promotions and Internal Growth: Sarkisian could also focus on promoting from within and offering more responsibility to his top assistants. By giving his staff a sense of growth opportunities and leadership roles, he can increase loyalty and keep coaches invested in Texas’ success. This approach would also help build a coaching pipeline that ensures continuity and stability for years to come.

Building a Championship Culture: Another key strategy will be for Sarkisian to establish a championship culture that motivates his staff to remain at Texas. A culture centered around winning national championships, developing players, and competing at the highest level is one that would attract top-tier coaching talent while also convincing them to remain with the program. Sarkisian will need to ensure that Texas football is on a trajectory that suggests future success, making it a highly desirable place for both players and coaches to be.

Fostering Strong Relationships with Coaches: At the core of any successful program is a strong relationship between the head coach and his assistants. Sarkisian has already shown a commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment with his staff, and strengthening these relationships could be crucial in retaining coaches long-term. Sarkisian’s ability to create a team-oriented atmosphere, where coaches feel valued and respected, could go a long way in ensuring that Texas’ staff stays intact.

5. Why This Matters for Arch Manning’s Future

Ultimately, Sarkisian’s ability to prevent staff turnover will determine the future of Arch Manning. The stability provided by consistent coaching staff will allow Manning to flourish in a system that maximizes his skills and prepares him for the next level. If Texas can avoid the distractions and instability caused by frequent coaching changes, Manning will have the opportunity to develop into the quarterback many believe he can become—one capable of leading Texas back to prominence.

By ensuring that key staff members like Milwee, Flood, and Marion remain in place, Sarkisian is not only providing Manning with the tools for success but also sending a message that Texas is committed to building a sustainable winning program. With the right coaching staff, Manning’s immense potential could be unlocked, leading Texas to new heights on the national stage.

In the end, the future of both Texas football and Arch Manning depends on coaching stability, and Sarkisian’s audacious decision to prevent staff losses will ultimately determine if Manning’s legacy at Texas becomes as legendary as the last name he carries.