Steve Sarkisian Stuns Longhorn Nation With Unexpected Announcement
AUSTIN, Texas — In a move that caught college football fans off guard, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian made a surprise announcement Thursday evening that has sent ripples through the SEC and beyond.
During a press conference at the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Sarkisian revealed that he is stepping away from coaching after the 2025 season. Instead of remaining at the helm beyond next year, he said he plans to transition into an administrative or advisory role within the athletic department at the University of Texas.
> “I love this program, this city, these players,” Sarkisian told a full house of media and staff. “But after much thought, I feel the most impact I can make moving forward will be off the field — helping support the growth of our student-athletes, mentoring future coaches, and working behind the scenes to strengthen our foundation.”
What We Know
Sarkisian’s decision comes at a high point in his tenure: Texas recently made consecutive College Football Playoff semifinal appearances, and his contract was recently extended through 2031.
He emphasized that the 2025 season will still be full steam: coaching duties, practices, recruiting — nothing changes in the daily grind for now. The coaching change is meant to be planned and gradual.
Texas officials said they expect to begin a national search for the next head coach sometime early next year, ensuring continuity for Sarkisian’s systems and for incoming recruits.
Why This Announcement Is Surprising
Several reasons make this announcement particularly unexpected:
1. Recent success: Sarkisian has delivered strong results, including deep playoff runs and adapting Texas to competition in the SEC. To step away now defies the typical arc of a coach doubling down when the momentum is high.
2. Contract extension: Earlier in 2025, Sarkisian agreed to a long-term deal, again emphasizing his commitment to UT. This makes a voluntary departure more unexpected
3. No obvious outside pull: There have been reports of NFL interest in past seasons, but nothing recent or credible enough to suggest a major external lure. The announcement appears to be internally driven.
Reactions & Implications
Players & recruits: Many players, both current and commit-targets, were reportedly stunned. How UT handles recruiting in 2026 might hinge on who is picked as Sarkisian’s successor.
Staff turnover: The ripple effects could include coordinator changes, assistant reassignments, and possibly shifts in strategy as the next coach builds or inherits pieces from Sarkisian’s staff.
Fan base & boosters: While some react with surprise and uncertainty, others express respect for Sarkisian’s choice. The Longhorn faithful, known for being loyal when leadership has integrity, seem poised to support his transition — but expect scrutiny on what comes next.
What Comes Next
UT is expected to conduct a national search for a replacement. Internal candidates likely in the mix: current coordinators or assistants familiar with Sarkisian’s systems.
Sarkisian’s advisory role will probably include mentoring coaches, oversight of player development protocols, and expanding UT’s influence in recruiting and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) matters.
The 2025 season just became more than just a campaign — it’s now also Sarkisian’s final act as head coach, with every win, every player development, and every game carrying greater weight.
Though unexpected, the announcement reflects a coach who seems focused not just on wins and losses, but on legacy, structure, and long-term influence. Texas football is entering a winding-down phase of one coach’s tenure — and whatever comes next, the shadow of Sarkisian’s presence is likely to linger.
