“That’s Stupid”: Texas Longhorns Athletic Director Laughs Off Steve Sarkisian NFL Rumors
In the world of college sports, rumors and speculation often swirl around high-profile coaches and their futures, especially when their teams are performing well or when their names are linked to bigger, more lucrative opportunities. The latest target of such rumors is Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns football program. As the Longhorns’ program has gained momentum in recent seasons, particularly with their impressive performance in the Big 12 Conference and their increasing prominence as one of college football’s elite programs, rumors linking Sarkisian to the NFL have emerged. These speculations have been met with a firm rebuttal from Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte, who quickly dismissed the NFL rumors as “stupid” and insisted that Sarkisian’s focus remains on leading the Longhorns.
The Rise of Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns
When Steve Sarkisian took the reins as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns in 2021, the program was at a crossroads. The Longhorns had struggled to regain their dominance in college football after the heyday of Mack Brown, who led the team to national championships in 2005. Under Tom Herman and Charlie Strong, the team showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately failed to deliver consistent success at the national level.
Sarkisian, a seasoned coach with a strong pedigree, arrived with high expectations. He had previously been a highly regarded offensive coordinator at Alabama, where he helped guide the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 2020. His track record and offensive acumen made him an attractive candidate to rejuvenate the Texas football program, which had been in a steady decline for several years.
In his first two years at Texas, Sarkisian showed signs of progress. Though the team was not immediately elite, he was able to develop a dynamic offense, and the Longhorns began to show flashes of the talent and potential that made them one of the most storied programs in college football history. The team appeared to be on the rise, with top recruits joining the program and an increasing level of competitiveness against the traditional powers of college football. Sarkisian’s ability to recruit and develop talent made it clear that the future of the Texas Longhorns was bright.
However, with success comes attention, and as Texas continued to improve under Sarkisian’s leadership, rumors began to emerge that the NFL might be taking notice of the head coach. These rumors suggested that NFL teams might be interested in bringing Sarkisian on board to lead their franchises, a development that sent shockwaves through the Texas football fanbase.
The NFL Rumors and Del Conte’s Response
As is often the case in sports, rumors are generated when coaches or teams achieve success, and Sarkisian’s name inevitably found its way into the rumor mill. The speculation about Sarkisian’s potential move to the NFL gained traction among some fans and analysts, especially considering his history as an offensive coordinator in the NFL, where he spent time with the Oakland Raiders and Atlanta Falcons. Additionally, NFL teams are frequently on the lookout for coaches who can bring innovative offensive systems, and Sarkisian’s reputation as an offensive mastermind added fuel to the fire.
Yet, despite the rumors and the noise surrounding his future, Steve Sarkisian has always maintained his commitment to the Texas Longhorns. Sarkisian has consistently emphasized that his focus is on building a championship-level program at Texas, where he feels deeply invested in the success and future of the team. As he continued to lead the Longhorns, it became increasingly clear that he was not looking to leave his post.
However, it wasn’t just Sarkisian’s own words that put the rumors to rest—it was the intervention of Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte. Del Conte, a seasoned administrator with a long history in college athletics, wasted little time addressing the NFL speculation surrounding Sarkisian. When asked about the rumors, Del Conte responded with a clear and unambiguous dismissal.
“That’s stupid,” Del Conte said, expressing his disbelief and frustration at the unfounded rumors. “Steve Sarkisian is focused on building a championship program here at Texas. He’s not going anywhere.” Del Conte’s response was a statement of support for his head coach, reinforcing the idea that Sarkisian was committed to the Longhorns and that the NFL speculation was merely noise.
Del Conte’s response was not just a defense of Sarkisian but also a reflection of the broader stability of the Texas athletic department. Under Del Conte’s leadership, Texas has made significant strides in multiple sports, and he has been an advocate for the Longhorns’ vision of returning to national prominence in college athletics. By quashing the NFL rumors so quickly, Del Conte showed his confidence in Sarkisian and reaffirmed the Texas Longhorns’ commitment to their head coach.
Why the Rumors Were Unfounded
To understand why these NFL rumors about Steve Sarkisian were unfounded, it’s important to consider the broader context of college football and Sarkisian’s current position at Texas. While Sarkisian has been linked to the NFL in the past due to his coaching experience at the professional level, there are several reasons why he is unlikely to leave Texas for an NFL job in the near future.
- Sarkisian’s Vision for Texas: Sarkisian has made it clear that his goal is to restore the Texas Longhorns to a position of dominance in college football. He has expressed a deep connection to the program, and the opportunity to lead a historically successful team like Texas to a national championship is a powerful motivator. Sarkisian’s vision for the Longhorns aligns with the program’s long-term goals, and his ability to recruit top-tier talent indicates that he is building something special in Austin.
- Stability in College Football: In many ways, college football provides a level of stability and influence that the NFL cannot always offer. As a head coach at a premier university like Texas, Sarkisian has the ability to build a legacy that extends beyond his individual success. The college game also allows coaches to develop young talent, which can be particularly rewarding for those who enjoy the developmental aspect of coaching.
- Texas’ Resources: Texas is one of the wealthiest and most resource-rich programs in college football. The Longhorns boast state-of-the-art facilities, a massive fanbase, and an unrivaled financial commitment to their athletic department. Sarkisian’s position as the head coach of Texas comes with significant power, influence, and resources, making the job highly attractive even without the lure of the NFL.
- NFL Opportunities May Not Be Better: While NFL teams regularly make coaching changes, the landscape of the NFL is often more volatile and uncertain than the stability found in a top-tier college program. Sarkisian may prefer the opportunity to shape a program, recruit players, and work with young athletes who are just beginning their football journeys, rather than taking on the unpredictable world of the NFL, where roster changes and player management can create significant challenges.
- The Longhorns Are on the Rise: Sarkisian has shown significant improvement with the Longhorns over the past couple of seasons. Texas is on the brink of returning to national contention, and Sarkisian is firmly at the helm of that revival. The program’s trajectory under his leadership suggests that he has more work to do before considering a move to the NFL.
