THE BUZZ: Why Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian May Be Coaching His Last Games As a Texas Longhorn

Following ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s shocking revelation on Sunday morning that NFL teams are approaching and may be interested in hiring Steve Sarkisian as their head coach, the rumours surrounding Sarkisian have taken a wild turn.

With Texas deep in their College Football Playoff run and hoping to establish their long-term place on the biggest platform in the sport, this news comes at a critical moment. However, is Sarkisian considering a comeback to the NFL?

Sarkisian’s coaching career is a patchwork of NFL low points and collegiate high points. Although his time as offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons from 2017 to 2018 wasn’t very noteworthy, he was hired by Texas after recovering at Alabama under Nick Saban and reestablishing his reputation. Sarkisian has improved the Longhorns since coming to Austin and established them as strong title contenders.

But success frequently brings with it both new opportunities and new distractions.

The timing of Schefter’s report couldn’t have been more curious. Following the Longhorns’ historic victory over Arizona State in the Peach Bowl, which completed a New Year’s Six sweep, Texas supporters are celebrating. However, there is now some uncertainty about Sarkisian’s future, which casts a shadow over the impending playoff matchup with Ohio State.

The timing of this NFL interest begs the obvious question: Will Sark continue to focus on completing what he started, or is he already looking outside Texas?

There is no denying the NFL’s appeal since it offers Sarkisian a chance at atonement, money, and prestige. Fans of the Longhorns, however, have cause for alarm. Does Sarkisian ride off into the sunset in the NFL if Texas wins the national championship? Or does he remain in Austin with the intention of leaving a lasting legacy? In any case, Sarkisian’s tenure as Texas’ head coach may be coming to an end, whether he choose to go or becomes too alluring for the NFL to ignore.

On January 10, Sarkisian and the Longhorns will play the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl.