Steve Sarkisian Sacked as Texas Longhorns Head Coach Amid Criticism of Underwhelming Performance.
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through college football, Steve Sarkisian has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Texas Longhorns. Despite taking over the prestigious program with high expectations, Sarkisian’s tenure has been marked by underwhelming results that have left fans and critics alike questioning his ability to lead the team back to prominence.
A High-Profile Hiring with High Expectations
When Sarkisian was hired in 2021, his resume appeared to position him as the perfect fit for the Texas Longhorns. With previous coaching experience at USC and Washington, as well as a successful stint as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, Sarkisian was expected to bring an explosive offensive identity and elevate Texas back to national championship contention. The Longhorns, after all, have one of the richest traditions in college football and had been searching for a coach who could restore them to glory.
At the time of his hiring, the expectations were clear. Texas fans were clamoring for a return to dominance in the Big 12 and, eventually, to compete for national championships. The university’s administration believed Sarkisian was the man to get them there, having worked under Nick Saban, one of the most successful college football coaches of all time. However, the performance on the field quickly soured the initial excitement.
Struggles on the Field
Sarkisian’s first season at Texas in 2021 was a rollercoaster ride. The team started with promise, but it quickly became evident that there were significant gaps in both the offense and defense. The Longhorns suffered a string of disappointing losses, including a 57-56 defeat to Kansas — one of the worst losses in Texas football history. Despite having talented players, particularly on offense, Sarkisian’s team struggled to perform consistently, leading to a mediocre 5-7 record.
While Sarkisian’s offense showed flashes of brilliance at times, it was also bogged down by turnovers, penalties, and a lack of execution in critical moments. Texas failed to establish a consistent running game, and the quarterback play, though at times exciting, was inconsistent. On defense, the Longhorns struggled with depth and were often outmatched against better opponents. The team seemed to lack an identity, and Sarkisian was frequently criticized for his inability to get the best out of his roster.
A Fateful 2022 Season
Heading into 2022, there was cautious optimism that Sarkisian could turn things around. The Longhorns added several key recruits, including high-profile quarterback Quinn Ewers, who was expected to be the future of the program. However, even with a talented roster, the team once again failed to meet expectations. Texas finished the season with a 7-5 record, with losses to teams such as Texas Tech and Baylor, both of which were seen as games Texas should have won.
The recurring theme of underachievement haunted the Longhorns throughout the season. The offense failed to take full advantage of its personnel, and the defense continued to struggle against high-powered offenses. Fans began to grow impatient, and calls for Sarkisian’s dismissal became louder with each disappointing defeat.
The Final Straw: Lack of Progress
Despite some signs of improvement, Sarkisian’s third season in 2023 was yet another letdown. The team once again faltered in key games, and his inability to produce a consistently competitive team raised doubts about his future as head coach. The Longhorns dropped games they were favored to win, and while individual players showed potential, there was no sign of the program making the leap to national relevance.
The final straw came after a crushing loss to rival Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown, where Texas was outplayed and outcoached in a humiliating 45-27 defeat. That loss, coupled with another subpar season, made it clear that Sarkisian was not the coach to lead Texas back to national prominence. The administration, under growing pressure from alumni, boosters, and the fan base, decided that a change was necessary.
The Road Ahead for Texas
With Sarkisian’s departure, the Texas Longhorns are once again in search of a new leader to guide them into the future. The program, rich with resources and talent, has the potential to be a contender, but it has yet to find the right coach to tap into that potential consistently. The administration will likely target a coach with a proven track record of success, someone who can bring stability and direction to a program that has been in turmoil for years.
While Sarkisian’s tenure will ultimately be remembered as a disappointment, the Texas Longhorns are not far from being a contender. With the right leadership, they could quickly turn the page on a tumultuous chapter in their history and return to their rightful place among the elite programs in college football.
