NFL Teams Eye Steve Sarkisian as Potential Head Coach Amid Texas Success
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Since taking over as head coach, Steve Sarkisian has excelled with the Texas Longhorns.
Sarkisian has a record of 48-20 over his five years as head coach. He has guided the Longhorns to three consecutive seasons with double-digit wins and has led the team to two appearances in the College Football Playoff. This success comes after Texas experienced one of the most challenging periods in the program’s history.
There are questions about whether he is satisfied staying in Austin or if he wants to explore opportunities in the NFL again. Sarkisian has coached in the NFL twice, most recently as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in 2017 and 2018. This year, reports suggested that Sarkisian might be interested in returning to the NFL; however, he chose to remain in his current position.
On3’s J.D. PicKell listed the top 10 teams poised for success in the next three years, placing Texas at No. 8 due to Sarkisian’s potential NFL interest.
“I don’t know what to do with Texas,” PicKell said. “I love the resources. I love the brand power. I love Sark. I just need you to promise me that he’s going to be the head coach in Austin for the next three years. I think the NFL is going to take several swings at him. That’s why Texas is at eight because I think the NFL is going to try pretty hard to get Sark.”
Spark notes:
– Feels like a matter of time for Oregon
– Kirby has won less than 10 games twice (Covid year & 1st year at UGA)
– Notre Dame should make the playoff every year going forward.
– Is anyone touching Miami or Texas Tech’s roster in their conferences?
– I also think… pic.twitter.com/YWtkkVqkK1— J.D. PicKell (@jdpickell) February 11, 2026
The immediate ripple effect of renewed NFL speculation is uncertainty surrounding one of college football’s most stable contenders. Texas has finally regained national relevance under Sarkisian, and even the perception that he could leave impacts recruiting, roster retention and long-term planning. For players like quarterback Arch Manning, continuity in scheme and leadership is critical, particularly during early developmental years at quarterback.
Zooming out, Sarkisian’s NFL background makes him a legitimate candidate whenever professional openings arise. Programs that experience coaching turnover after playoff success often face regression, and history shows that maintaining elite status requires consistency at the top. Texas has the resources, brand power and recruiting base to sustain success, but replacing a coach with Sarkisian’s offensive pedigree would not be simple. His ability to develop quarterbacks and design explosive offenses has been central to the Longhorns’ resurgence.
Looking ahead, Texas enters the upcoming season with championship aspirations and a roster capable of competing deep into the CFP. Whether Sarkisian remains in Austin for the next three years may ultimately shape whether this era becomes a sustained dynasty or simply a successful chapter in the program’s revival.
Related: Arch Manning Predicted To Have Record-Setting Season For Texas In 2026
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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