There’s growing buzz across college football that a familiar face from the sidelines could be headed to the NFL.
As teams across the league begin evaluating their future, one report has turned speculation into a full-blown conversation: a top college head coach may be ready to make the jump to the pros — but no one’s quite sure who it will be.
A Bombshell Report Shakes Up College Football Headlines
Jan 19, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; The College Football Playoff National Championship logo on the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the site of the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jan 19, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; The College Football Playoff National Championship logo on the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the site of the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Just hours before Texas kicks off against Mississippi State, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that representatives for Steve Sarkisian have quietly reached out to NFL front offices to express interest in potential head coaching openings.
The report sent shockwaves through both college and pro football circles. If true, Sarkisian wouldn’t be the only coach under consideration — but his name now headlines a growing list of college leaders possibly preparing for a leap to the next level.
NFL Teams on the Hunt for Fresh Leadership
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
The Tennessee Titans recently fired head coach Brian Callahan following a rough start to his tenure. With promising quarterback Cam Ward in place, the organization is expected to prioritize an offensive-minded coach who can maximize young talent.
Sarkisian fits that mold — though sources around the league suggest other high-profile college coaches have also been quietly mentioned in early discussions. Programs like Florida, Penn State, and Texas could all find themselves in precarious situations if their coaches receive calls from the pros.
“This was already going to be a wild coaching carousel,” noted NBC Sports’ Nicole Auerbach. “If even one major college program loses its coach to the NFL, the domino effect will be massive.”
The Coaching Carousel Just Got Complicated
Every December brings a flurry of coaching changes, but this year feels different. Between NFL teams searching for new direction and powerhouse college programs facing pressure to win now, there’s a real sense that a blockbuster move could be coming.
Even the hint of a high-profile coach considering the NFL is enough to cause ripple effects across recruiting, transfers, and future scheduling.
ESPN’s Kevin Clark added, “If a job like Texas or Penn State opens up, it instantly becomes the most coveted position in college football.”
A Familiar Name Among the Possibilities
Sep 6, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian holds his horns up while entering Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium before a game against the San Jose Spartans. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian holds his horns up while entering Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium before a game against the San Jose Spartans. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Steve Sarkisian’s name may be at the center of this particular report, but his profile isn’t unique. A handful of other college coaches — both seasoned veterans and rising stars — have drawn quiet interest from NFL scouts looking for innovative play-callers.
While Sarkisian has previous NFL experience with the Oakland Raiders and Atlanta Falcons, the bigger story might be what this trend represents: NFL teams are once again raiding the college ranks in search of new offensive ideas and fresh leadership.
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What Happens Next?
For now, everything remains speculation. Sarkisian hasn’t commented publicly on the rumors, and none of the involved NFL teams have confirmed interest. Still, the timing — with several major college programs already unstable — suggests a wild offseason may be coming.
Whether it’s Sarkisian or another prominent name, it feels like only a matter of time before one top college coach trades Saturdays for Sundays.
Jan 10, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian talks to wide receiver Isaiah Bond (7) before the College Football Playoff semifinal against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Jan 10, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian talks to wide receiver Isaiah Bond (7) before the College Football Playoff semifinal against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
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