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Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns looks on before taking on the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Speculation about Steve Sarkisian potentially leaving the Texas Longhorns football program for the NFL isn’t new – but new discussions and changes in the college football landscape have started to take speculative possibilities out of the equation, instead replacing them with realistic possibilities for the future of Sarkisian in Austin.
After restoring Texas to national relevance and guiding the program into the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Sarkisian’s name has resurfaced as a candidate for professional football coaching positions. The question isn’t where NFL teams are interested – or would be interested – it’s whether the timing, situation, and incentives are in Sarkisian’s favor.
There’s a ‘Very Real Chance’ Steve Sarkisian Will Leave Texas
GettyAUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 22: Head Coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns arrives for a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
There is no doubt that Steve Sarkisian has redeemed one of the greatest programs in college football during his tenure at Texas. But there’s evidence to believe that his time with the Longhorns may be expiring. OU Insider’s Parker Thune spoke with On3 Sports, saying, “There is a very real chance Steve Sarkisian is no longer the head coach at the University of Texas in the next two to three years.”
Thune elaborated on the likely circumstances of Sarkisian’s possible departure in a near-future season, underscoring that there probably won’t be a souring of relationships between Sarkisian and the administration at the university in the way there was with predecessors like Charlie Strong and Tom Herman.
Explaining how the current Longhorns head coach may exit the FBS program, Thune says, “That might not be a bad thing. That might not be because he gets kicked to the curb. That might not be because Texas just decides ‘Yeah, we have to go in a different direction.’ What if Steve Sarkisian gets an NFL job? That’s very much on the table.”
Sarkisian’s Resume Makes Him A Logical NFL Candidate
GettyHead coach Steve Sarkisian has to make a difficult injury call before the next game.
Steve Sarkisian’s has a resume that is a standout for NFL coaching positions – notably the fact that he previously served as offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons before making his return to college football. He possesses a brilliant intellect in his offensive mind, quarterback development track record, and ability to design explosive passing schemes – all of which are traits NFL franchises are constantly searching for in candidates.
Given that modern professional football increasingly mirrors high-level college concepts, Sarkisian’s critical thinking and ability to adapt his system to his personnel are invaluable skills that could seamlessly translate over to the NFL. Financially, both remaining at Texas as head coach and a position with one of the NFL franchises would be extremely lucrative for Sarkisian. This makes the playing field between college football and professional NFL coaching a bit more even.
To date, Steve Sarkisian and The University of Texas at Austin have denied rumors that the head coach will leave the Longhorns football program.
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