Full Breakdown
Steve Sarkisian Addresses Rumors About His Future at Texas
11/20/2025, 5:24:44 PM
Sarkisian's Firm Denial of Departure Rumors
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has publicly refuted ongoing speculation regarding his potential departure from the university. During the SEC Coaches Teleconference, Sarkisian stated emphatically, “I’m not going anywhere,” and labeled the rumors as “absolutely false and untrue.” He expressed his frustration over the misinformation circulating about his future and emphasized the importance of addressing these claims for the sake of his team and the university.
Sarkisian highlighted that he has had no discussions about leaving Texas with his agent, the university, or any other institutions, including NFL teams. He reiterated his commitment to the Longhorns, stating, “I came here to win championships,” and noted his family's ties to the university, with two of his children currently enrolled and a third potentially joining next year.
Context of the Speculation
The speculation surrounding Sarkisian's future intensified following comments from ESPN analyst Desmond Howard, who suggested that he would not be surprised if the Texas job opens up at the end of the season, hinting at a possible "mutual parting of ways." This prompted Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte to respond on social media, stating, “This is news to me,” thereby dismissing the rumors.
Sarkisian's agents, Jimmy Sexton and Ed Marynowitz, previously countered a report from The Athletic that claimed Sarkisian had expressed interest in NFL opportunities, asserting that he had not communicated with any professional teams.
Performance and Future Outlook
As of now, the Longhorns, who began the season ranked No. 1, have faced challenges, slipping to No. 17 in the College Football Playoff rankings after three losses, including a recent defeat against Georgia. Despite these setbacks, Sarkisian's record at Texas stands at 45-20, with two College Football Playoff appearances and a Big 12 Championship in 2023.
Sarkisian's contract, which was extended in January through 2031 with a salary increase to $10.8 million for the current season, reflects the university's investment in his leadership. However, the ongoing speculation about his future may continue until the conclusion of the season and the resolution of NFL coaching vacancies.
Official Statements & Responses
Sarkisian urged those spreading rumors to cease doing so without evidence, stating, “Can we please stop putting things out there that you have absolutely zero evidence on?” He encouraged anyone with questions about his future to contact him or Del Conte directly to clarify any misunderstandings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If you have a question about my future, call me or call Chris Del Conte, our athletic director, and we can set the record straight for you,” — Steve Sarkisian, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns
- “This is news to me. . . Thanks for the insight.” — Chris Del Conte, Athletic Director, Texas Longhorns
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Sarkisian has firmly denied any interest in leaving Texas, the speculation persists, particularly in light of comments from analysts and previous reports suggesting he might be open to NFL opportunities. The divergence between Sarkisian's statements and external speculation highlights a gap in communication regarding his future intentions.
