Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian Set to Terminate His Contract: A Hypothetical Analysis

As the Texas Longhorns continue to navigate the ever-competitive landscape of college football, speculation has begun to swirl around the future of head coach Steve Sarkisian. Reports are emerging, suggesting that Sarkisian is preparing to terminate his contract and step away from his role as head coach of the Longhorns. While there has been no official confirmation from the university or Sarkisian himself, the potential move is already igniting conversations among fans, media, and analysts alike about the reasons behind the decision and the future of the Texas football program.

Steve Sarkisian was hired as the 31st head coach in the history of the Texas Longhorns in January 2021. Coming off a successful stint as offensive coordinator at Alabama, Sarkisian was seen as the right leader to bring Texas back to national prominence after years of underachievement. Despite the immense promise and expectation that followed his hiring, the journey has been anything but easy for the former USC and Washington head coach. Here, we explore some possible reasons why Sarkisian might consider terminating his contract with Texas and what this would mean for the program.

1. Underwhelming On-Field Performance

One of the primary reasons that could lead to Steve Sarkisian’s decision to leave his position as head coach is underperformance on the field. Since taking over as head coach of the Longhorns, Sarkisian has faced numerous challenges in leading the program to consistent success. While Texas has shown flashes of brilliance under his guidance, the Longhorns have not been able to sustain a high level of performance against some of the nation’s top teams.

In his first season (2021), Texas finished with a disappointing 5-7 record, failing to reach a bowl game. The following year, the team showed signs of improvement but still struggled in key matchups, finishing with an 8-5 record. While these results were somewhat expected given the rebuilding phase, the pressure has mounted for Sarkisian to deliver more substantial results in a highly competitive Big 12 conference.

With Texas’ looming move to the SEC in 2024, the stakes are even higher. The Longhorns will be joining one of the toughest conferences in college football, and expectations are that the team needs to be ready to compete at the highest level. If Sarkisian’s teams were to continue to underperform against top-tier opponents, it could lead to growing discontent from fans, alumni, and the administration. In such a scenario, the university might decide to part ways with the coach, or Sarkisian himself might choose to step down before the situation escalates further.

2. Personal and Professional Challenges

Coaching at the University of Texas comes with immense pressure. The Longhorns are one of the most storied programs in college football, and as such, expectations for success are always sky-high. Steve Sarkisian has been no stranger to challenges throughout his career, both professionally and personally. Prior to taking the Texas job, Sarkisian had faced significant personal struggles, including battles with alcohol addiction. His hiring by Texas was viewed as a redemption story, with many hoping that Sarkisian’s second chance in the spotlight would be a successful one.

However, the demands of coaching at a program as prestigious as Texas are no small feat. The constant media scrutiny, the pressure to win, and the need to recruit top talent all contribute to an incredibly taxing lifestyle. For some coaches, these demands eventually take a toll on their personal well-being, leading them to reconsider their position. If Sarkisian were to face burnout or feel that his work-life balance was unsustainable, he might make the difficult decision to step away from coaching at Texas, even if it meant terminating his contract early.

3. Conflicts with Athletic Administration or Leadership

Another potential reason for Sarkisian’s departure could be conflicts with the university’s athletic administration or leadership. While Sarkisian was hired by then-athletic director Chris Del Conte, changes in leadership can sometimes affect a coach’s tenure. If there were to be a shift in the administration, such as a change in the athletic director or the university president, new leadership might have a different vision for the program. This could lead to friction between Sarkisian and the decision-makers at Texas, prompting the coach to seek an exit.

Moreover, Texas football has seen a great deal of turnover in the head coaching position over the past decade. From Mack Brown’s exit to the short-lived tenures of Charlie Strong and Tom Herman, the program has been through numerous coaching changes. This instability at the top could influence Sarkisian’s decision to leave. If Sarkisian were to feel that the administration lacked full support for his vision or that the program’s direction was in question, he might decide to terminate his contract and pursue other opportunities where his leadership is more aligned with the institution’s goals.

4. Better Opportunities Elsewhere

Another plausible scenario involves Sarkisian being offered a more appealing coaching opportunity elsewhere. While Texas is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious programs in the country, Sarkisian’s reputation as an offensive guru and his previous success at Alabama could make him a highly sought-after commodity on the coaching market. If another program, perhaps a program with a more stable foundation or more immediate resources to contend for championships, came calling, Sarkisian could be tempted to leave Texas in favor of that opportunity.

In college football, coaching changes are frequent, and Sarkisian is not immune to such shifts. If another elite program were to offer him a lucrative contract, and the conditions at Texas were less than ideal, he might view the change as an opportunity to further his career and legacy.

5. The Future of Texas Football

Should Steve Sarkisian decide to terminate his contract with Texas, the university would likely begin an exhaustive search for his replacement. Given the stature of the Texas program and the expectations for immediate success, the Longhorns would be looking for a high-profile coach with a proven track record of winning at the highest level. Some names that might emerge as potential candidates include:

• Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss): Known for his offensive acumen and ability to turn around struggling programs, Kiffin could be an intriguing candidate. He has revitalized Ole Miss football and may be ready to take on the challenge of coaching at a blue-chip program like Texas.
• Urban Meyer (Formerly Ohio State): Meyer is a proven winner with multiple national championships to his name. Though his tenure at Florida and Ohio State ended in controversy, his success as a head coach at the highest levels would make him an appealing choice for Texas.
• Matt Campbell (Iowa State): Campbell has been lauded for his ability to develop players and build competitive teams at Iowa State. While not as high-profile as some of the other candidates, Campbell could bring a fresh perspective to Texas and could be a long-term solution for the program.

Regardless of who the eventual successor might be, the potential termination of Sarkisian’s contract would undoubtedly signal a new era for Texas Longhorns football. The program’s future would depend heavily on the direction taken in the aftermath of such a decision.