Texas coach Steve Sarkisian says he didn’t seriously consider NFL because of unfinished business with Longhorns.

Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian Says He Didn’t Seriously Consider NFL Because of Unfinished Business with Longhorns

In the world of college football, coaching transitions can often be tumultuous. Yet, when Steve Sarkisian was hired as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns in January 2021, there was a significant amount of excitement and optimism surrounding the program. Coming off an impressive tenure as the offensive coordinator at Alabama and a successful stint at Washington and USC, Sarkisian was seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks. For Texas, hiring him was seen as a strategic move to reignite a program that had seen flashes of greatness but had struggled to maintain consistent success in the years leading up to his arrival.

Fast forward to today, and Steve Sarkisian is beginning to find his footing as the leader of one of the most high-profile football programs in the country. The Longhorns are showing signs of improvement, with key wins and solid recruiting classes, and Sarkisian’s ability to develop talent is starting to bear fruit. However, there has been one particular question that continues to loom over his tenure at Texas—could he have made the jump to the NFL at some point in the future?

The idea that Sarkisian might consider moving to the NFL has been a subject of speculation. Given his offensive acumen, his previous NFL experience as an offensive coordinator, and the rapid success he’s enjoyed at Texas, it’s only natural that people would ask whether an opportunity in the NFL might be enticing. However, Steve Sarkisian has firmly stated that he never seriously considered leaving Texas for the NFL, explaining that there is still “unfinished business” with the Longhorns that he feels he needs to complete before potentially making that jump.

In a recent interview, Sarkisian revealed his thought process, sharing the reasons behind his decision to remain at Texas and his commitment to the program. In this article, we will explore why Sarkisian has remained focused on his work at Texas, the unfinished goals he has in mind for the Longhorns, and how this commitment will shape the program’s future.

Sarkisian’s Unfinished Business with Texas

For Steve Sarkisian, Texas is not just another coaching job—it’s an opportunity to restore a program to its former glory. Texas has a long and storied history, with national championships, conference titles, and a host of legendary players and coaches. Yet, in recent years, the Longhorns have been mired in mediocrity, unable to return to national prominence despite an abundance of talent and resources. Sarkisian was hired to change that narrative.

When he first took the reins in 2021, Texas was coming off a rocky few seasons under Tom Herman, with inconsistent play and a lack of development at key positions. Sarkisian knew the challenge he was facing, but he was confident in his ability to get the program back on track. After his time at Alabama as the offensive coordinator under Nick Saban, he had experienced first-hand what it took to build a winning program from the ground up. His experience with the Crimson Tide gave him invaluable insights into creating a culture of success, something he was eager to implement at Texas.

Sarkisian’s “unfinished business” with Texas refers to several goals that he has yet to achieve. Perhaps the most significant of these is to return the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff and challenge for national championships. Texas has the resources, the recruiting power, and the history to be a consistent contender, but getting to that level requires more than just recruiting top talent—it takes a complete cultural shift, player development, and a team-first mentality that Sarkisian is focused on instilling.

Winning the Big 12 is another significant goal that Sarkisian is still working toward. Since the departure of legendary coach Mack Brown, Texas has struggled to assert its dominance in the Big 12, and Sarkisian wants to be the one to bring the conference championship back to Austin. Although he has made strides in that direction, particularly with notable wins over other top Big 12 teams like Oklahoma, Texas has yet to capture a Big 12 title during his tenure, and that remains a key target.

Beyond conference championships, Sarkisian is keenly aware of the importance of recruiting and player development. The talent pipeline at Texas is immense, but to become a perennial contender for national championships, Sarkisian knows that he must continue to build a strong, cohesive roster, with both offensive and defensive talent. His approach to recruiting has already paid dividends, as the Longhorns have secured several top-tier classes under his leadership. However, building sustained success at Texas requires getting the most out of those recruits and creating an environment where they can thrive on the field.

As much as Sarkisian enjoys coaching in a highly competitive environment like the SEC—with Texas slated to join the conference in 2024—his decision to stay at Texas is rooted in his desire to build something special from the ground up. He wants to be the coach who leads the Longhorns back to national prominence, and that’s not something he’s willing to walk away from just yet.

Sarkisian’s NFL Experience and Background

Sarkisian’s experience in the NFL is a significant part of his coaching résumé. Before becoming the head coach at Texas, Sarkisian had stints as an offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons and the Oakland Raiders. He also served as a quarterbacks coach for the Washington Football Team (now the Washington Commanders). His time in the NFL gave him invaluable experience working with some of the best players in the world and learning the intricacies of the professional game.

While his NFL tenure was relatively short compared to his college coaching career, Sarkisian’s knowledge of the professional game has always been a key part of his identity as a coach. His offensive schemes and his ability to develop quarterbacks have drawn significant attention from professional organizations, especially considering the success he has had with top-tier quarterbacks at both the college and pro levels.

Given his history in the NFL and his success at the college level, it would not have been surprising if an NFL team had come calling for Sarkisian’s services. The reality is that many high-profile NFL teams have been looking for coaches with innovative offensive minds, and Sarkisian fits that mold. However, as Sarkisian himself admitted, the allure of returning to the NFL did not weigh heavily on his mind. Instead, his focus remained squarely on Texas and the unfinished business he has with the Longhorns.

“I’ve been in the NFL. I know what it’s like. But there’s something special about being at a place like Texas,” Sarkisian said. “The resources, the tradition, the fanbase—it’s all here. And the work we’ve started is not finished. I’m committed to seeing this through and getting Texas back to where it belongs.”

Sarkisian’s desire to build a lasting legacy at Texas, rather than leaving for the NFL, speaks to his deep connection with the program. He understands the magnitude of the task at hand and the unique opportunity he has to create something truly great in Austin. For him, leaving for the NFL now would feel like abandoning a project that he has poured so much into—a project that, in his mind, is far from complete.

The Decision to Stay: A Long-Term Vision

One of the key elements of Sarkisian’s decision to remain at Texas is his long-term vision for the program. College football is a game of cycles, and Sarkisian is focused on building a program that can be successful for years to come. While immediate success is important, building sustainable success is the ultimate goal. Sarkisian understands that the trajectory of Texas football is in his hands, and he’s dedicated to making sure the program continues to move forward.

“My goal has always been to build something that lasts,” Sarkisian said. “It’s not just about having one good year. It’s about creating a foundation that allows Texas to be a contender for years, decades, to come.”

Sarkisian’s commitment to the long-term vision of the program is a driving force behind his decision to stay at Texas. He believes that with the right culture, recruiting, and player development, Texas can return to its place as one of the top programs in college football. The pieces are already in place, and Sarkisian is determined to complete the puzzle.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Texas Football

As Texas heads into the 2024 season and prepares for its eventual move to the SEC, Sarkisian’s vision for the program has never been clearer. He has already laid a strong foundation, with impressive recruiting classes and key wins over rivals like Oklahoma and Baylor. However, the challenges of the SEC will be unlike anything Texas has faced in recent years, and Sarkisian’s leadership will be essential in navigating this new chapter.

For Sarkisian, his decision to stay at Texas is about more than just wins and losses; it’s about building a legacy and leaving a lasting mark on one of college football’s most iconic programs. He may not be considering the NFL for the time being, but his focus remains on completing the work he started at Texas—getting the Longhorns back to national championship contention and creating a program that will continue to thrive for years to come.

Ultimately, Sarkisian’s commitment to Texas is a testament to his belief in the program’s potential and his desire to be a part of its future success. With unfinished business ahead, the future of Texas football looks bright under his leadership.