Steve Sarkisian Seemingly Takes Shot At Cam Newton For Knocking Texas Football Program

Steve Sarkisian Apparently Attacks Cam Newton for Dismantling the Texas Football Program

The relationship between coaches, players, and the media can often be a complex one, especially when it comes to high-profile programs like the University of Texas Longhorns. The Texas football program, with its storied history and national prominence, has experienced a mix of highs and lows in recent years. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, who took the reins in 2021, has worked tirelessly to rebuild the program and restore its former glory. However, recent comments by former Auburn and NFL quarterback Cam Newton have seemingly set off a firestorm, leading to an apparent attack by Sarkisian on the former Heisman Trophy winner.

Newton, who is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks of his generation, made waves during a recent interview, where he expressed his opinions on the state of Texas football. His comments were critical of the culture within the program, which he argued was dysfunctional and needed significant changes. Newton’s remarks were seen by many as an attack on the direction of Texas football, and they quickly gained traction within the sports media landscape.

As expected, such comments did not go unnoticed by Sarkisian, who is keen on improving the program and solidifying its place among college football’s elite once again. In the aftermath of Newton’s remarks, Sarkisian addressed the media, offering a response that appeared to be a direct rebuttal to Newton’s criticism.

The Fallout of Cam Newton’s Comments

To fully understand the context of Sarkisian’s apparent response, it’s essential to first examine Newton’s original remarks. In an interview, Newton discussed his perception of Texas football’s struggles and how, in his opinion, the program was failing to live up to its potential. He described the culture at Texas as one that was “broken” and lacking in accountability, which he believed was a major reason for the team’s underperformance in recent years. Newton pointed out that while the program had all the resources and talent in the world, it seemed unable to translate those advantages into sustained success.

His comments were not just directed at the players or the coaching staff, but also at the culture surrounding the Texas program. Newton emphasized that Texas, as a program with a proud history, needed to undergo significant changes to re-establish its competitive edge. His remarks, however, did not stop there. Newton went on to question the leadership within the program, including the coaching staff, and suggested that the Longhorns were not attracting the right kind of players, the type of athletes with the drive and commitment to return Texas to national prominence.

These comments, of course, did not sit well with everyone in the Texas football program. Although Newton was speaking from a place of experience as a former player who has seen success at both the college and professional levels, his words were sharp and critical, and they struck a nerve with many involved with Texas football.

Sarkisian’s Response: A Defiant Stand

In the wake of Newton’s comments, Steve Sarkisian was asked by the media about his thoughts on the former Auburn star’s criticism. Sarkisian, never one to shy away from a challenge, gave a fiery and impassioned response that appeared to take aim at Newton’s remarks. The Texas head coach, who has spent years rebuilding programs from the ground up, emphasized the importance of fostering a positive culture and pointed to the strides the Longhorns had made under his leadership since his arrival in 2021.

Sarkisian seemed particularly irked by Newton’s assertion that the Texas football program was “broken.” The Longhorns, under Sarkisian, had experienced a number of setbacks, including a disappointing 2021 season that saw them finish with a 5-7 record. However, Sarkisian quickly pointed out that rebuilding a football program was not an overnight process and that the challenges faced by Texas were not indicative of a fundamentally broken system. Instead, he stressed the importance of accountability, commitment, and consistent effort—qualities that he believed were already being instilled within the program.

Rather than outright dismiss Newton’s criticisms, Sarkisian took a more pointed approach, emphasizing that the Texas program was in the midst of a rebuild that required time and patience. He acknowledged that the Longhorns were still a work in progress, but he firmly rejected the notion that the program’s issues were a result of lack of talent, resources, or leadership. Sarkisian’s comments made it clear that he was not interested in allowing external critics to define the narrative surrounding Texas football.

The Context of Sarkisian’s Leadership

It’s important to consider the larger context of Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas when analyzing his response to Newton’s comments. Sarkisian was hired in 2021 after a highly successful stint as the offensive coordinator at the University of Alabama, where he helped lead the Crimson Tide to a national championship. At Texas, Sarkisian inherited a program that had fallen on hard times, with a history of underperforming in the Big 12 and inconsistent play across the board. Despite the lofty expectations that came with his hire, Sarkisian’s first season at the helm was marked by growing pains, highlighted by a series of close losses and a failure to meet the high standards expected at Texas.

Sarkisian’s struggles were compounded by a 2021 season in which the Longhorns had a disappointing 5-7 record, their first losing season since 2016. The team’s inconsistent play, combined with high-profile losses, made it clear that the rebuilding process would take longer than many had anticipated. However, Sarkisian remained optimistic and focused on implementing a strong, disciplined program that would eventually lead to success.

Throughout 2022 and beyond, Sarkisian continued to build a team that focused on player development, culture building, and recruiting. The Longhorns’ roster, while still developing, began to show signs of improvement. The addition of elite recruits like quarterback Arch Manning for the 2023 season highlighted the forward-looking vision that Sarkisian had for the program. Under his leadership, Texas slowly but surely started to turn the corner, with hopes of returning to prominence in both the Big 12 and nationally.

However, rebuilding a program like Texas, with its storied history and immense expectations, is no easy task. The pressure to succeed quickly is immense, and criticisms from outside figures like Newton only added fuel to the fire. Sarkisian’s response, while aggressive, was a sign of his commitment to the program and his refusal to allow outside opinions to dictate his approach.

Cam Newton’s Influence on the Conversation

While Sarkisian’s response was certainly significant, it’s worth examining the broader influence of Cam Newton’s comments on the conversation surrounding Texas football. Newton, a former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL MVP, is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in recent football history. His words carry weight, especially when discussing the direction of college football programs.

Newton’s criticism of Texas highlighted the frustration that many fans, analysts, and even former players feel about the state of the program. Texas, with its vast resources, rich history, and passionate fanbase, has struggled to recapture the success of its past. Despite boasting one of the most lucrative athletic departments in the country, the Longhorns have had difficulty navigating the highly competitive landscape of college football, particularly in the Big 12 and the upcoming SEC. Newton’s comments echoed a sentiment that has been voiced by many—Texas football, as a program, needs a dramatic shift to regain its place among the elite.

For Sarkisian, the challenge of revitalizing Texas football is both a professional and personal mission. The program’s rich legacy of national championships and Heisman Trophy winners looms large, and the expectations on his shoulders have been heavy since day one. Sarkisian’s frustration with Newton’s remarks is likely rooted in the realization that outsiders—who may not have the full picture of what’s happening within the program—are quick to judge the progress of a team in transition.

Looking Ahead: Sarkisian’s Plan for the Future

Despite the external criticism, Sarkisian remains steadfast in his belief that the Texas program is heading in the right direction. The Longhorns’ roster is stocked with talented players, and Sarkisian has put significant emphasis on recruiting high-caliber athletes who fit his system and culture. The addition of a quarterback like Arch Manning, a top-tier recruit, signals that the program is starting to regain its stature on the national stage.

In his tenure at Texas, Sarkisian has focused on developing players both on and off the field. The culture of accountability that he seeks to establish is one that will take time to fully take root, but he believes it will lead to sustained success. Sarkisian has also emphasized the importance of building a program that values long-term success over short-term results.

The 2023 season, and beyond, will be pivotal for Sarkisian. With a revamped roster, new recruits, and a system that is beginning to show promise, Texas fans will be eagerly watching to see if the program can return to its former glory. Sarkisian, no doubt, will use Newton’s criticism as motivation to prove that he has the vision and ability to lead the Longhorns back to the top of college football.