Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns play the Mississippi State Bulldogs on the road in Week 9. Through seven games, Texas is 5-2 overall and 2-1 in SEC matchups with losses to Ohio State and Florida.
He and the Longhorns are aiming for a third straight College Football Playoff appearance and first national championship since 2005.
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However, the team has been hit with a major distraction. In an article written by The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, she reported 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’.”
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and quarterback Arch Manning (16).Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
On Saturday, Sarkisian’s agents Jimmy Sexton and Ed Marynowitz told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that the report of him wanting to make a jump into the NFL after this season is false.
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“Any reports regarding communications on coaching opportunities with NFL teams are patently false and wildly inaccurate,” Sexton and Marynowitz told Pelissero. “Sark is solely focused on coaching the University of Texas football team.”
This was supposed to be a big season for Sarkisian and Texas, with redshirt sophomore quarterback Arch Manning taking over as the starter. However, he’s thrown for just 1,449 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.
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With two losses and five regular-season games remaining, Texas’ playoff chances are in trouble. The idea of losing Sarkisian, who has been with Texas since 2021, would only heighten the pressure.
However, that scare was short-lived, with his agents making it clear that Sarkisian is fully invested and secure with his role at Texas. He is under contract with the Longhorns through the 2031 season. He has the fifth-highest salary among college football head coaches in 2025, making $10.8 million.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.