Steve Sarkisian could be self-sabotaging himself by copying the biggest mistake that got Billy Napier fired by the Florida Gators
Texas HC Steve Sarkisian shoots down potential change for the Longhorn offense.
It has been a frustrating season so far for head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns, who currently sit with a 5-2 overall record on the year. This past offseason was filled with National Championship talk and even more Arch Manning hype. Instead, this team is struggling offensively, and there doesn’t seem to be an easy answer to find a quick fix.
After an ugly 16 to 13 overtime victory against the Kentucky Wildcats this past weekend, there was understandably some more frustration for the offensive performance. During the media availability on Tuesday, Sarkisian met with the media to recap the game against the Wildcats, and previewing their upcoming matchup against Mississippi State. The offense was the main point of the conversation, and it should be.
Sarkisian was asked about his willingness to give up his play calling duties. It is something that he isn’t even contemplating.
“No, because that’s why I got hired,” Sarkisian told the media. “I was a really good offensive coordinator.”
Although it sounds ridiculous when first asked, this offense has struggled mightily so far this year. That unit overshadows a tremendous defense that is allowing just 11.3 points per game, which ranks third nationally. On the other hand, the offense is only averaging a pedestrian 26.7 points per game to their credit. That ranks Sarkisian’s group as 81st in the country out of 136 teams on the FBS level. The lack of consistency has been really troubling.
Manning has had a very underwhelming start to the year so far. In seven games, the 6-4, 220-pound passer has thrown for just 1,449 yards and 12 touchdowns. The run game has been very inefficient, as has the pass blocking. The offensive line has arguably the biggest letdown for this offense in 2025. As a whole, that unit is struggling pretty much everywhere.
Should Sarkisian give up play calling?
Former Florida head coach Billy Napier dealt with a similar decision a few weeks ago, and he chose to continue as the playcaller for the Gators. Sarkisian isn’t in any danger of being fired, so these situations are quite a bit different. Still, the media and public want to understand how things will get any better. There doesn’t appear to be a clear answer.
Despite the understandable question, Sarkisian should not give up his play calling duties. He is one of the very best play designers and play callers in all of college football, which is, as he said, a big reason that he is where he’s at. Unfortunately, there probably isn’t a clear answer that is going to happen this season. This feels like more of an offseason soul searching exercise.
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