This offseason, did Steve Sarkisian consider NFL offers? What the football coach from Texas stated.

Steve Sarkisian, the head football coach at the University of Texas, has faced considerable pressure since taking over the Longhorns’ program in January 2021. While his early tenure has been met with both challenges and glimpses of promise, Sarkisian’s name has emerged as a candidate for various prestigious coaching positions, including in the National Football League (NFL). With a history of success in college football and experience coaching at the NFL level, many have wondered whether Sarkisian would entertain potential NFL offers during the offseason. The intrigue surrounding Sarkisian’s future is rooted in his past coaching pedigree, his aspirations, and his success as a coach, but also his current role in Austin, Texas, where he is tasked with revitalizing one of college football’s most storied programs.

This offseason has been particularly eventful, and many have questioned whether Sarkisian was open to exploring opportunities beyond the collegiate ranks. With numerous NFL teams experiencing coaching changes or facing uncertainty in the wake of underperformance, rumors about his future swirled. So, did Sarkisian consider NFL offers this offseason? What exactly did the Texas football coach have to say about these reports?

Sarkisian’s Background: College Football Success and NFL Experience

Before we explore the specifics of his offseason, it’s important to understand why Steve Sarkisian’s name would be associated with NFL opportunities in the first place. Sarkisian’s coaching career spans both college football and the NFL, providing him with a broad and diverse set of experiences that make him an intriguing figure in the football coaching world.

Sarkisian began his coaching career as an offensive coordinator at USC, where he helped build one of the nation’s most prolific offenses. He quickly gained recognition as an innovative and forward-thinking coach. His success at USC led to his first head coaching job at the University of Washington, where he had a mixed tenure before moving on to USC for a second stint as head coach. However, Sarkisian’s journey also included some off-field struggles that caused his tenure at USC to end abruptly. Still, despite these setbacks, Sarkisian’s offensive acumen and ability to develop quarterbacks were undeniable.

Before taking over the Texas job in 2021, Sarkisian spent time as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL, under head coach Dan Quinn. His time in the NFL added another layer to his reputation as a coach with an understanding of both the professional and collegiate games. This NFL experience not only bolstered his credentials but also made him a potential candidate for NFL head coaching jobs in the future.

Why Would NFL Teams Be Interested in Sarkisian?

NFL teams constantly seek coaches who can adapt and evolve with the changing nature of football. As the NFL continues to shift toward a more dynamic, offense-first league, coaches with experience developing quarterbacks and innovative offensive schemes are in high demand. Sarkisian, known for his ability to craft creative offensive strategies and his history of coaching top-tier quarterbacks, fits this profile well.

At Texas, he has shown his offensive prowess, particularly with the development of quarterback Quinn Ewers and his ability to engineer high-scoring offenses. Under Sarkisian’s guidance, Texas has grown into one of the most potent offenses in college football, and his ability to work with quarterbacks—such as former USC stars Matt Barkley and Sam Darnold, or the aforementioned Ewers—has been a hallmark of his career.

Given these attributes, it’s not surprising that NFL teams, particularly those with young quarterbacks or offenses in need of a spark, might look to a coach like Sarkisian to revitalize their offensive unit. Furthermore, Sarkisian’s reputation as an offensive mind could position him as an appealing candidate for teams looking for a fresh perspective to move forward.

The Texas Job and Sarkisian’s Commitment

Despite speculation linking him to potential NFL offers, Steve Sarkisian’s commitment to the University of Texas has been clear, and he has made it evident that he intends to build something special in Austin. Sarkisian took over a Texas program that had seen significant underperformance for several years, and he was tasked with not only restoring the program to its former glory but also navigating the competitive waters of the Big 12 Conference as Texas prepared to make the jump to the SEC.

In his two seasons at Texas, Sarkisian has overseen some strong individual performances and steady improvement, though not without setbacks. After a 5-7 finish in 2021, his second season saw improvement with an 8-5 record and a bid to a bowl game. However, the program is still in a developmental phase, and expectations continue to rise with each passing year. Texas is looking for a coach who can not only recruit top-tier talent but also mold that talent into a championship-caliber team. Sarkisian has shown that he’s capable of both.

While the program’s trajectory under his leadership is still a work in progress, there is a clear understanding in Austin that Sarkisian is the man tasked with leading Texas back to national prominence. Given the high-profile nature of the Texas job, Sarkisian’s long-term commitment to the program would be seen as a significant hurdle for any NFL offers to materialize.

Sarkisian’s Comments on NFL Rumors

Throughout this offseason, Sarkisian addressed the rumors surrounding his potential interest in the NFL. When asked about whether he had considered NFL offers, he made it clear that his focus remained solely on Texas.

Sarkisian, who has been through the grind of both college football and the NFL, acknowledged that while he appreciated the interest, his priority was always Texas and the process of building a program capable of competing at the highest level. He stated that he had not received any direct offers from NFL teams, and even if such an opportunity arose, his desire to build a legacy at Texas outweighed any potential move to the NFL.

“I’ve been fortunate to coach at the highest levels of both college football and the NFL, and while I appreciate that my name is out there, my focus is on making Texas the best program it can be,” Sarkisian said. “There is a lot of work left to do here, and I am fully committed to the University of Texas. This is a place that has an incredible tradition, and I’m excited to continue building something special with the players, staff, and fans.”

Sarkisian’s comments reflect a clear dedication to the Texas program. Despite the attention that came with speculation about his future, he was resolute in his commitment to Texas. His priority, he explained, was bringing the program back to national contention.

In fact, Sarkisian elaborated on his approach to the Texas job, describing how he was working on assembling the right coaching staff, recruiting the right players, and fostering a winning culture. He also emphasized the importance of continuity in building a successful program, something that could be disrupted by constant rumors or by jumping to another coaching job.

“The job here at Texas requires patience, perseverance, and a long-term vision,” Sarkisian continued. “It’s not just about short-term success; it’s about sustaining success. That’s what I’m focused on here, and that’s where my energy is going—making sure our players, coaches, and fans are proud of what we’re building.”

The Future of Steve Sarkisian at Texas

Sarkisian’s decision to stay at Texas this offseason speaks volumes about his ambitions as a coach and his commitment to the Longhorns. Texas is in a period of transition as they prepare to join the SEC, and Sarkisian is the man tasked with ensuring that the program is ready for the challenges that lie ahead. The increased competition and pressure of joining a league with some of college football’s top teams will test Sarkisian, but it also presents an opportunity to cement his legacy at a prestigious institution.

With recruiting on the rise and Texas’ roster becoming increasingly competitive, Sarkisian seems to be on the verge of something special in Austin. The addition of talented young players and the steady progression of his offensive schemes are promising signs for the future. However, the pressure will be on him to produce a Big 12 championship and push for College Football Playoff contention in the next few years, especially as the team makes its transition into the SEC.

Sarkisian has built a solid foundation, but with the mounting expectations of a powerhouse program like Texas, there’s no question that his success at the University of Texas will be determined by his ability to consistently compete at the highest level. If he can lead the Longhorns to a national title or at least a championship-caliber level of play, then Sarkisian’s name will be forever linked with Texas football.