Steve Sarkisian’s Texas: A Launching Pad for Coaches
The University of Texas football program, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, is quickly becoming one of the most prominent and sought-after destinations in college football—not just for players, but for coaches too. Sarkisian’s ability to cultivate talent on the field is being matched by his knack for developing coaching staff, creating an environment that pushes assistant coaches into leadership roles, and sending them off to head coaching positions.
Building a Legacy at Texas
When Steve Sarkisian took over as head coach in 2021, Texas was in the midst of a rebuilding phase. The Longhorns had the talent, but they lacked the consistent coaching and direction to push them back to their elite status. Sarkisian’s experience at Alabama, where he served as the offensive coordinator under Nick Saban, gave him the credibility and expertise to turn the program around. Texas quickly bought into his vision, and Sarkisian delivered on his promises of revitalizing the offense and bringing a new energy to the program.
However, it’s not just the players who are reaping the rewards of Sarkisian’s leadership. His coaching staff has seen tremendous growth since his arrival, with several assistants moving on to higher positions in college football. The staff turnover rate may sound like a downside at first, but for Texas, it is a sign that Sarkisian’s program is functioning as a launch pad for up-and-coming coaching talent.
A Rising Star in Coaching Circles
Perhaps one of the most notable aspects of Sarkisian’s tenure has been his ability to bring in and develop assistants who not only excel in their roles but are also prepared to take the next step in their careers. This reflects the strength of the staff he’s assembled. The Longhorns have become a breeding ground for coaching talent that other programs quickly seek out. The success of these coaches under Sarkisian’s mentorship is solidifying his legacy and elevating the Texas program as a destination for the next generation of coaching stars.
Take, for instance, former Texas offensive coordinator Kyle Flood. After a successful tenure in Austin, Flood was hired as the offensive line coach for the Arizona Cardinals, making a leap to the NFL. His time working alongside Sarkisian and helping shape the Longhorns’ offense clearly made an impact. The lessons he learned in Texas contributed to his fast ascension up the coaching ladder.
Additionally, Pete Kwiatkowski, Texas’ former defensive coordinator, had success with the Longhorns before being hired by Washington as their defensive coordinator. Kwiatkowski’s work with Texas’ defense led to his reputation as a defensive mastermind, and his move back to Washington proved that the Texas program serves as an excellent training ground for assistants aiming to move to more prestigious positions.
Sarkisian’s Vision: Coaching as Development
What makes Sarkisian’s staff turnover more positive than negative is his mindset: coaching is a development role for both players and assistants. It’s not just about winning games; it’s about creating an environment where coaches can grow, learn, and develop into strong leaders. Sarkisian has become known for mentoring his assistant coaches, offering them opportunities to work on high-profile games, collaborate on strategies, and ultimately set themselves up for bigger opportunities.
“I want to put people in positions to succeed,” Sarkisian said in a recent interview. “If they can go on to bigger and better things, I consider it a success, because that means we’re doing something right here in Texas.”
Success Breeds Success
The success of Texas’ coaching staff has helped elevate the program in more ways than one. The team’s recent resurgence on the field, highlighted by their strong showing in the Big 12, has further enhanced Texas’ reputation as a destination for top-tier coaching talent. Coaches want to work with players like Quinn Ewers, Bijan Robinson, and other future NFL stars, and they want the chance to contribute to a championship-caliber program. Texas, under Sarkisian, is now a prime place to grow in the competitive world of college football coaching.
Furthermore, Sarkisian has created a culture of collaboration and trust within his coaching staff. Assistant coaches are given the freedom to bring new ideas to the table and are encouraged to push their own limits. It is a nurturing atmosphere that benefits both the program and the careers of those involved.
A Bright Future for Texas and Its Coaches
Looking ahead, it seems clear that Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas will not only lead to sustained success for the Longhorns on the field but will continue to elevate the program as a springboard for coaching talent. Texas is quickly becoming a launching pad for coaches who will one day lead their own programs to success. With Sarkisian’s guidance and leadership, it’s evident that the Longhorns are setting the stage for continued growth, both in terms of player development and coaching evolution.
In many ways, this might be just as important as any championship the Longhorns win on the field—creating a legacy of coaching excellence that extends far beyond the boundaries of Austin. As Steve Sarkisian continues to build his program, the next wave of elite college football coaches is already being trained and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
Ultimately, the Texas Longhorns are more than just a college football powerhouse—they are a breeding ground for future coaching stars. And it’s all happening under the watchful eye of Steve Sarkisian, whose ability to develop and elevate talent is helping shape the future of college football, one coach at a time.
