Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is reportedly exploring a potential return to the NFL, sparking widespread speculation about his future with the Longhorns.
According to reports circulating on social media Saturday, Sarkisian’s representatives have informed NFL teams that he would be interested in head-coaching openings, including the Tennessee Titans, via The Athletic. The news comes less than a year after Sarkisian signed a lucrative contract extension that was expected to keep him in Austin through the 2031 season.
Sarkisian, now in his fifth year at Texas, has rebuilt the Longhorns into a national contender and is coming off consecutive College Football Playoff appearances. His name carries weight in both college and professional circles thanks to his offensive pedigree and previous NFL experience. Before taking over in Austin, he served as offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, where he helped engineer one of the league’s most dynamic passing attacks.
Why the NFL Could Appeal
For Sarkisian, a jump back to the pros could make sense on multiple levels. The college landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, with coaches managing not only game plans but also name, image and likeness deals and constant roster turnover through the transfer portal. Several top college coaches have openly admitted that the new environment can feel more like free agency than recruiting.
Sarkisian has also realized that Arch Manning isn’t a good quarterback but politics won’t allow him to bench him.
The NFL, by contrast, allows coaches to focus primarily on football without the daily grind of recruiting. Sarkisian’s success developing quarterbacks and designing complex offenses could make him an attractive candidate for teams in search of an offensive-minded leader.
The timing could also be favorable. The Titans are expected to make sweeping changes after another disappointing season, and several other franchises may soon be in the market for a head coach. With Sarkisian’s stock at an all-time high, the window to make the leap might not stay open long.
Fallout in Austin
If the rumors prove true, Sarkisian’s potential departure would have major implications for Texas. The Longhorns are set to move into the SEC full-time next season, and stability has been a major selling point for recruits. Any perception that Sarkisian is looking toward the NFL could cause uncertainty within the locker room and among boosters who have heavily invested in his vision for the program.
Sarkisian’s contract extension also includes a significant buyout clause, which could complicate negotiations should he pursue an NFL opportunity. Still, schools have seen before that money rarely stands in the way when the right offer comes along.
What Comes Next
As of now, Sarkisian has not publicly commented on the reports, and Texas officials have not issued a statement. The Longhorns are in the middle of another playoff push, and distractions are the last thing they need heading into the heart of their conference schedule.
Whether Sarkisian ultimately stays in Austin or returns to the NFL, his name will remain one of the hottest in football. For now, the speculation highlights one undeniable truth — success at Texas has made him one of the most coveted coaches in the game, and both college and pro teams are paying attention.
Bro thought about another year with Arch and was like I need to get out of here lol https://t.co/SrTW5WYEKI
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) October 25, 2025
