Tragic news: A crucial player’s retirement was announced by the Texas Longhorns head coach because he left his contract to sign a new one.
The Longhorns coach will remain in Austin, Texas, through the 2030 season after Texas and Steve Sarkisian reached a four-year contract extension, the university said on Saturday. Sarkisian’s third season in charge of the Longhorns saw them win a Big 12 title and make it to the College Football Playoffs.
After famous coach Nick Saban announced his retirement, Sarkisian’s name was linked to the Alabama position, and a speedy agreement became imperative. Before taking the Texas position, Sarkisian was Nick Saban’s offensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide in 2019 and 2020. In search of Saban’s replacement, Alabama looked to Kalen DeBoer, a former Washington coach.
Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte stated in a press release, “As we head into the SEC next year, we’re doing that with a great deal of momentum, a program we’re extremely proud of, and with a great head coach and leader.” “When we hired Coach Sarkisian, we believed he was the right person for the job, and he has shown us that at every turn. Coach Sark will remain our coach for a very long time, and we couldn’t be more delighted about where we are and where we’re going.”
Despite having just two 13–12 seasons, Sarkisian had the program’s best season since 2009 in 2023. On September 9, Texas defeated Alabama, shooting the Longhorns to No. 4 in the AP poll and setting the course for the season.
Texas easily won its first conference championship since 2009 with a 49-21 thumping of Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship Game, guaranteeing its spot in the College Football Playoff despite a defeat to rival Oklahoma on October 7. Once there, Texas lost a thrilling Sugar Bowl match to Washington, 37-31.
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In addition to his time at Alabama and as the offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons, Sarkisian, 49, has extensive experience as a head coach, having held positions as head coach at USC and Washington. His offensive background paid off in 2023, as the Longhorns’ balanced approach produced over 660 yards on two occasions, good for a national total offense ranking of No. 9.
the future’s foundation
With the Longhorns getting ready to enter the SEC, Texas is starting a new chapter in its legendary history this year. The 16-team super league will present Texas with increased challenge, but the Longhorns will also play the defending national champion Michigan on September 7.
The Longhorns have their work cut out for them, especially considering that they have a home game against Georgia on October 19 in addition to their regular rivalry with Oklahoma. However, the course that Sarkisian set in 2023 indicates that Texas may be able to maintain its position nationally.
Following a No. 3 ranked class in 2023, the Longhorns signed the nation’s No. 5 recruiting class for the 2024 cycle. The program will be better able to handle the departure of underclassmen like defensive lineman Byron Murphy, running back Jonathan Brooks, receiver Adonai Mitchell, and receiver Xavier Worthy for the NFL Draft as a result of the inflow of fresh talent.
