While Arch Manning may not be turning into the generational football player that everyone expected him to be, his coach Steve Sarkisian is still garnering interest from the NFL for his efforts with the Texas Longhorns. But will that interest compel Sarkisian to switch leagues?
For now, the answer appears to be no. In a statement released by his agents Jimmy Sexton and Ed Marynowitz, Sarkisian made it clear that he is “solely focused” on Texas football and denied any rumors or reports that he is in communication with NFL entities.
Advertisement
“Statement from the representatives for Coach Steve Sarkisian: Any reports regarding communications on coaching opportunities with NFL teams are patently false and wildly inaccurate. Sark is solely focused on coaching the University of Texas football team,” Sexton and Marynowitz wrote.
Sarkisian and the NFL
Few top coaches in college football are as prepared for a potential college-to-NFL transition as Sarkisian. Unlike many coaches, Sarkisian actually has NFL coaching experience. He served as QBs coach of the Oakland Raiders in 2004 and later served as the offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons from 2017 to 2018.
Advertisement
Nevertheless, football fans were mixed on whether Sarkisian is really being courted by the NFL or if reporters are just blowing smoke.
“As soon as I saw the ‘reporting’ came from Dianna Russini, I knew it was nonsense. No idea how she still manages to have such a big following with her constant clickbait (expletive),” one user declared.
“lol, basically he wants out but doesn’t want recruiting to tank if he has to stay,” another remarked.
Advertisement
“Who would want him right now?” a third asked.
“He Gone.”
“How often have we seen this so quickly following a one-off, mid-season rumor?”
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The transition from coaching in college to coaching in the NFL (and vice versa) is not an easy one. Only a handful of coaches have found any measure of success in both and even fewer have had real staying power.
For every Pete Carroll, Jimmy Johnson or Jim Harbaugh there’s a Lou Holtz, a Nick Saban, a Bill Peterson or an Urban Meyer.
Advertisement
But the low success rate won’t stop desperate teams from trying to find that one Carroll or Johnson or Harbaugh somewhere in the AP top 25 coaching ranks.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Oct 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.