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In the fast-paced world of college football, coaching careers can change in the blink of an eye. For Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, 2024 has been a transformative year. After a remarkable run that saw the Longhorns make it to the College Football Playoff, Sarkisian found himself at the center of an intriguing conversation regarding his future. Given his impressive coaching pedigree, which includes stints as an offensive coordinator in the NFL and a head coach at Washington and USC, many have speculated whether Sarkisian might consider returning to the professional ranks.

In a recent interview, Sarkisian finally addressed the swirling rumors and opened up about the growing interest in his services from the NFL, as well as how he views his future in coaching. As the Longhorns’ playoff appearance helped solidify his status as one of the top minds in football, Sarkisian’s decision to stay or move on to the NFL could have a lasting impact not only on Texas but on the broader college football landscape.

The Rise of Steve Sarkisian

Before diving into his current situation, it’s important to understand how Sarkisian arrived at this point in his career. Sarkisian’s rise in coaching is a testament to his offensive brilliance and ability to develop quarterbacks. After playing college football at BYU, he embarked on a coaching career that saw him climb the ranks. From serving as an assistant coach at USC to becoming the head coach at Washington in 2009, Sarkisian proved to be an adept offensive strategist with an eye for talent.

After his tenure at Washington, Sarkisian moved to USC, where he had a brief but highly productive stint as head coach. Although his time at USC was marked by controversy, his offensive acumen was never in question. Sarkisian then made a return to the NFL, where he served as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. There, he further honed his skills and built a reputation as an offensive mastermind. This success paved the way for his return to the college ranks in 2021, when he took over the head coaching job at Texas.

At Texas, Sarkisian inherited a team that had underperformed in recent years. However, his impact was immediate. The Longhorns began to show signs of life under his leadership, and his ability to develop talent, especially at the quarterback position, became evident. In just a few short years, Sarkisian turned Texas into a legitimate contender in the Big 12, culminating in their impressive playoff run in 2024.

The Playoff Run That Changed Everything

Sarkisian’s 2024 season with Texas was nothing short of spectacular. The Longhorns not only claimed the Big 12 Championship but also secured a spot in the College Football Playoff, marking a major achievement for both the program and Sarkisian. With a balanced offense that featured a dynamic quarterback and explosive skill players, Texas became one of the most exciting teams to watch. But it wasn’t just the offensive fireworks that caught people’s attention. Sarkisian’s ability to adapt his game plans, adjust to different opponents, and manage the high-stakes environment of the playoff elevated his reputation as one of the premier minds in college football.

The success of the 2024 season quickly generated buzz, with analysts, fans, and even NFL executives taking notice. Sarkisian’s offensive systems, honed over years of experience, seemed tailor-made for the modern NFL. His history with quarterbacks and his ability to develop high-powered offenses made him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their coaching staff. As the speculation surrounding his future began to grow, Sarkisian knew that he had a decision to make.

The NFL Interest

In his recent interview, Sarkisian addressed the growing rumors regarding NFL interest. While he didn’t explicitly confirm or deny any conversations with NFL teams, he acknowledged that the level of interest was real. The question on everyone’s mind was whether he would entertain a return to the professional ranks or continue to build on the success he had found at Texas.

“I’ve been in this profession long enough to know that when you have success, people notice. I’ve been fortunate enough to have some incredible opportunities both in college and the NFL, and I think that’s a reflection of the work that we’ve put in as a staff here at Texas,” Sarkisian explained. “I’ve heard the rumors, and I’ve had conversations with some people, but my focus right now is on the team, on this program, and on what we’re trying to accomplish here at Texas. I’m not one to make decisions in the heat of the moment, and I think it’s important to stay grounded and focused on what’s ahead.”

Sarkisian’s response was measured and thoughtful, indicating that while NFL interest is certainly flattering, his commitment to Texas and the future of the Longhorns is his primary concern. It’s clear that Sarkisian understands the impact of his success at Texas, and he is not one to make impulsive decisions about his future.

However, it’s also evident that the possibility of a return to the NFL is something that Sarkisian has considered. His time as an offensive coordinator in the NFL, where he worked with elite quarterbacks like Matt Ryan in Atlanta, provided him with invaluable experience. Many NFL teams are always on the lookout for coaches who can develop quarterbacks and build dynamic offenses, and Sarkisian’s track record makes him a natural candidate.

Balancing College and NFL Aspirations

One of the most fascinating aspects of Sarkisian’s comments was his ability to balance the realities of coaching in college football with the allure of the NFL. College football offers a unique set of challenges, including recruiting, managing a large roster of players, and navigating the complexities of the NCAA landscape. On the other hand, the NFL offers the chance to coach at the highest level, work with elite talent, and potentially contend for championships.

“There are a lot of things that I love about coaching in college football,” Sarkisian noted. “The recruiting, the development of young players, and the culture we’re building here at Texas—those are things that excite me. At the same time, the NFL is a different world. The challenge of working with professionals, of coaching at the highest level, is something that always draws me in.”

Sarkisian’s love for the game of football is evident in his words, and it’s clear that he sees both college and the NFL as opportunities to test his abilities as a coach. But his current commitment to Texas is strong, and he’s quick to point out that he has unfinished business with the Longhorns.

“Right now, my job is to build this program into a consistent winner,” Sarkisian said. “We’ve taken some great strides, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. My focus is on making Texas a national contender year in and year out, and I think we’re headed in the right direction. Once that foundation is built, we’ll see what the future holds, but I’m not in any rush to make decisions about what comes next.”

What Does the Future Hold?

As for what’s next, the future remains uncertain. Sarkisian has built a strong foundation at Texas, and with the Longhorns’ success in 2024, it’s clear that the program is headed in the right direction. But as Sarkisian himself acknowledged, coaching decisions are never easy, and his future could ultimately depend on how much more he feels he can accomplish at Texas.

If Sarkisian stays at Texas, he will likely continue to develop talent and strive for national championships, solidifying his legacy as one of the top coaches in college football. However, the NFL remains an option for a coach with his skill set, and many would consider it inevitable that he could return to the professional ranks at some point.

In the end, Sarkisian’s decision will be shaped by a combination of personal ambition, professional goals, and a deep love for the game. But for now, it seems he’s fully committed to Texas and is eager to continue his journey with the Longhorns.

“I’m focused on the here and now,” Sarkisian said. “Texas is where I’m at, and we’ve got a lot of work to do. After that, we’ll see what happens.”

Whatever the future holds, one thing is clear: Steve Sarkisian has proven that he is a force in the world of football, and whether it’s at the college level or the NFL, his name will continue to be one that resonates across the sport for years to come.