The University of Texas football team is facing a shocking development as reports emerge that head coach Steve Sarkisian could be preparing to leave Austin — for the NFL.
As the No. 22 Texas Longhorns (5–2) gear up for a road showdown against Mississippi State, the buzz surrounding Sarkisian’s future has quickly become one of the biggest storylines in college football.
Steve Sarkisian Expected to Leave for the NFL
Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian looks on before the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian looks on before the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, representatives for Steve Sarkisian have informed multiple NFL decision-makers that he’s interested in potential head coaching openings — including the Tennessee Titans.
“I’m told that representatives for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian have let NFL decision makers know that he would be interested in potential head coaching openings, including the Titans,” Russini reported.
(Source: The Athletic)
If true, this could mark the end of Sarkisian’s tenure in Austin — and another fascinating college-to-pro transition story.
A Look Back at Sarkisian’s Texas Tenure
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks the field during the College Football Playoff semifinal game against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on Friday, Jan. 10, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.
Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks the field during the College Football Playoff semifinal game against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on Friday, Jan. 10, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.
Sarkisian took over at Texas in 2022, and the program entered this season with championship aspirations led by Arch Manning at quarterback. While the Longhorns have shown flashes of elite play, the offense has struggled to find rhythm in key moments.
Despite a 5–2 record, Texas still has an outside chance to run the table and push for a College Football Playoff berth — especially if the offense clicks down the stretch.
Back in February, the university extended Sarkisian’s contract through 2031, increasing his salary from $10.4 million to $10.8 million per year. That deal made him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football — but it may not be enough to keep him in Austin if the NFL comes calling.
🏈 Related: Arch Manning’s Development and Texas’ Offensive Outlook
🏈 Read next: Could the Longhorns Still Make the College Football Playoff?
Sarkisian’s NFL Coaching History
Nov 30, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian speaks with line judge Michael Taylor during the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies. The Longhorns defeated the Aggies 17-7 at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2024; College Station, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian speaks with line judge Michael Taylor during the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies. The Longhorns defeated the Aggies 17-7 at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
This wouldn’t be Sarkisian’s first NFL adventure. He began his pro coaching career in 2004 with the Oakland Raiders as their quarterbacks coach, then returned to the college ranks at USC.
In 2017, Sarkisian made his NFL return as the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator, replacing Kyle Shanahan. The results were mixed — Atlanta’s offense dropped from 33.8 points to 22.1 points per game — leading to his firing in December 2018.
He then joined Nick Saban at Alabama, rebuilding his reputation and ultimately landing the Texas job.
What’s Next for Texas Football?
If Sarkisian does bolt for the NFL, it would create one of the most high-profile college football coaching vacancies in the nation. Texas is set to join the SEC in 2026, making the next coaching hire crucial for the program’s long-term stability.
There’s no guarantee any NFL team will make a move for Sarkisian, but his offensive pedigree and experience with both college and pro players make him an intriguing candidate.
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