In the world of college football, there are few programs that hold as much weight and significance as the University of Texas Longhorns. With a storied history and a rich tradition of success, the Longhorns have long been expected to contend for national championships. Yet, for years, Texas has found itself mired in mediocrity, struggling to regain its former glory. But under the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, many are starting to believe that the Longhorns are on the cusp of a remarkable resurgence.
In recent weeks, Sarkisian received an endorsement that further solidified the idea that “Texas truly is back.” The comment, coming from a respected voice in the football community, underscores the growing confidence in Sarkisian’s vision and leadership. This endorsement is more than just a compliment — it’s a reflection of the hard work and dedication Sarkisian has invested in rebuilding the Texas football program into a national powerhouse once again.
A Brief Look at Texas’ Football History
The University of Texas football program has always been synonymous with success. With four national championships (1963, 1969, 1970, 2005), and multiple conference titles, the Longhorns have boasted some of the most talented teams in college football history. From the days of Darrell K Royal to Mack Brown, Texas has been a perennial contender in the Big 12 and on the national stage.
However, the 2010s were not kind to the Longhorns. After Mack Brown’s resignation following a decade of dominance, the team struggled to find consistency. Numerous coaching changes and a lack of sustained success led to frustrations among fans and former players. The expectations were high, but the results were often underwhelming. The Longhorns were far from the powerhouse they once were, and the question on everyone’s mind was: When would Texas return to prominence?
Enter Steve Sarkisian
When Steve Sarkisian was hired as the head coach of Texas in January 2021, it was met with cautious optimism. Sarkisian came to Texas after a successful stint as the offensive coordinator at Alabama, where he helped guide the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 2020. With a reputation as an offensive genius, Sarkisian was seen as a coach capable of modernizing the Longhorns’ attack and bringing a new level of energy to the program.
Sarkisian’s tenure began with high hopes, but as with any new coach, there were inevitable growing pains. His first season in Austin, while not disastrous, showed that the team still had a lot of work to do. The Longhorns ended the 2021 season with a 5-7 record, failing to reach a bowl game for the first time in over two decades. Many pundits were quick to criticize Sarkisian’s early results, with some even questioning whether he was the right man for the job.
However, Sarkisian remained confident in his plan. He knew that rebuilding Texas would take time, and he was focused on building a strong foundation. He leaned into recruiting, brought in top-tier talent, and focused on creating a culture of discipline and excellence. Through his efforts, Sarkisian set the stage for a remarkable turnaround in the coming seasons.
A Superlative Endorsement
The tipping point came in 2023, when the Longhorns finally started to show the fruits of Sarkisian’s hard work. After an impressive 8-5 record in 2022, Texas entered the 2023 season with high expectations. The team showed flashes of brilliance, with standout performances on both sides of the ball. The Longhorns were finally beginning to look like a team capable of competing for Big 12 championships and perhaps even national titles. The defense, once a weakness for the program, was now stout and formidable. The offense, led by Sarkisian’s high-powered scheme, was explosive, dynamic, and dangerous.
It was during this 2023 season that the endorsement came. A respected figure in the college football world, who has a long history with the program and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at Texas, proclaimed: “Texas truly is back.” The endorsement was not just a passing remark but a recognition of the tangible progress that the Longhorns had made under Sarkisian’s leadership. It signaled that the Longhorns were no longer a team on the outside looking in but were once again a legitimate contender on the national stage.
What Makes Sarkisian the Right Fit for Texas?
So, what exactly makes Steve Sarkisian the right coach to lead Texas back to glory? Several factors play a role in his success, and his ability to rebuild the program can be attributed to his approach to coaching, recruiting, and player development.
1. Offensive Expertise: Sarkisian’s reputation as an offensive mastermind has been well-documented throughout his career. At Texas, he has been able to install a modern, up-tempo offense that takes full advantage of the talent at his disposal. Quarterbacks like Quinn Ewers and Malik Murphy have thrived under Sarkisian’s tutelage, with Ewers showing flashes of being a future NFL talent. The Longhorns’ offense is not only explosive but also efficient, consistently putting points on the board.
2. Recruiting: Sarkisian has been a strong recruiter since his arrival in Austin. His ability to attract top-tier talent to Texas has been a key factor in the program’s resurgence. In addition to securing blue-chip recruits, Sarkisian has done an excellent job of developing the talent he inherits, making sure that players are not only prepared for the college game but for the next level as well.
3. A Strong Defensive Foundation: One of the most significant strides the Longhorns have made under Sarkisian has been in their defense. The once-porous defensive unit has been turned into one of the strongest in the Big 12. The Longhorns now boast a defense that is both aggressive and disciplined, and it has been a key factor in their success on the field.
4. Building a Winning Culture: Perhaps the most important aspect of Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas has been his ability to instill a winning culture within the program. The Longhorns are no longer satisfied with mediocrity. They are driven by the belief that they can compete with the best in the nation, and that mindset has permeated every aspect of the program, from the players to the coaches and the fans.
What’s Next for Texas?
With the endorsement that “Texas truly is back,” the pressure is on for Sarkisian to continue building on the program’s momentum. The Longhorns are entering a new era as they prepare to join the SEC in 2024, which will bring new challenges but also new opportunities for success. The increased level of competition will test Texas in ways it hasn’t been tested before, but under Sarkisian’s leadership, the Longhorns are poised to rise to the occasion.
As Texas continues to improve and assert itself as a national contender, fans are beginning to believe once again in the program’s potential. The long wait for the Longhorns’ return to the top has been arduous, but with Sarkisian at the helm, the future looks brighter than ever.
In conclusion, the endorsement that “Texas truly is back” is not just a statement — it is a reflection of the hard work and dedication that Steve Sarkisian has put into rebuilding the Longhorns. Under his leadership, Texas is not only back but poised to become a force to be reckoned with in college football for years to come.
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