The Texas Longhorns are coming off a sluggish Week 12 performance in a massive showdown against the Georgia Bulldogs, ultimately suffering their third loss of the season. The defeat dropped them to No. 17 in the rankings with just two games remaining against the Arkansas Razorbacks and the No. 3 Texas A&M Aggies.
Their chances at a College Football Playoff bid now seem dim, and with losses come rumors. Over the last few weeks, speculation has continued to swirl in Austin regarding the future of head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Sarkisian is largely responsible for Texas’ resurgence since taking over the program, and reports have linked him to other opportunities — including a potential NFL job with the Tennessee Titans. On Wednesday, Sarkisian responded directly.
He made it clear he has no intention of leaving the Longhorns and doesn’t know where the rumors are coming from.
“People reporting or insinuating that there’s a possibility I could leave the University of Texas — that’s absolutely false and untrue. I am not going anywhere,” Sarkisian said.
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Steve Sarkisian was hired by Texas in January 2021 after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Interestingly, his hiring came on the same day the program officially fired former head coach Tom Herman.
Sarkisian has compiled a 45-20 record heading into Week 13 and has led the Longhorns to back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinals — though they fell short each time.
This season, returning to the playoffs appears to be a long shot. However, a win this week and another against Texas A&M could at least put Texas back in the conversation. Either way, it doesn’t appear that this will be Sarkisian’s last ride in Austin.
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