Steve Sarkisian NFL Interest Heats Up: Titans Target Texas Coach Amid Coaching Shakeup

In a twist that’s sending shockwaves through the college football world, reports are swirling that Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is emerging as a top candidate for NFL coaching vacancies, with the Tennessee Titans leading the charge in their search for a new sideline leader. Sources close to the SEC confirm that Sarkisian’s name has surfaced in high-level discussions, potentially pulling him from Austin to the professional ranks and reshaping both Texas and the NFL landscape.

This development comes at a pivotal time for the Titans, who are reeling from a disappointing season and actively interviewing candidates to replace their embattled head coach. Sarkisian’s blend of offensive ingenuity and NFL pedigree makes him an intriguing fit, but whispers from insiders suggest the interest is mutual, raising questions about his future in Texas.

Sarkisian’s Texas Turnaround Ignites NFL Speculation

Since taking the helm at the University of Texas in 2021, Steve Sarkisian has transformed the Longhorns into a powerhouse, posting a 29-17 record over three seasons and guiding them to the College Football Playoff in 2023. His high-octane offense, which averaged 37.5 points per game last year, has drawn comparisons to the innovative schemes that made him a star as Alabama’s offensive coordinator under Nick Saban.

But it’s Sarkisian’s prior NFL experience that has league executives buzzing. From 2009 to 2016, he served as offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins and Atlanta Falcons, where he honed his skills working with quarterbacks like Robert Griffin III and Matt Ryan. “Sarkisian brings that rare college-NFL crossover appeal,” said ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. in a recent broadcast. “He’s not just a college guy; he’s proven he can translate to the pros.”

Texas’s recent success hasn’t come without challenges. The Longhorns’ move to the SEC in 2024 adds pressure, but Sarkisian’s adaptability—evidenced by quarterback Quinn Ewers’ development into a Heisman contender—has scouts believing he’s ready for the NFL‘s bigger stage. Insiders report that during the Titans’ informal inquiries, Sarkisian’s agent highlighted his 2023 playoff run, where Texas upset Oklahoma in a thriller, 34-30, showcasing his clutch play-calling.

Statistics underscore his impact: Under Sarkisian, Texas’s rushing attack improved by 25% from 2021 to 2023, with running back Jonathon Brooks amassing 1,473 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. This offensive renaissance has not only boosted recruiting—Texas signed a top-5 class in 2024—but also caught the eye of NFL teams desperate for innovative minds amid a coaching carousel that’s seen five head jobs open since the season’s end.

Titans’ Desperate Search Spotlights SEC Coaching Talent

The Tennessee Titans’ coaching vacancy, created after a 6-11 finish and the subsequent firing of head coach Mike Vrabel in January, has become a focal point of the NFL offseason. With owner Amy Adams Strunk pushing for a fresh identity, the team has interviewed a mix of coordinators and college head coaches, but Steve Sarkisian stands out as a wildcard from the SEC.

Titans sources indicate that general manager Ran Carthon is prioritizing offensive-minded candidates to maximize young quarterback Will Levis’s potential. Levis, drafted 33rd overall in 2023, threw for 1,808 yards and 8 touchdowns in limited action, but inconsistencies plagued the unit. Sarkisian’s track record with mobile QBs like Ewers and former Alabama star Jalen Hurts positions him perfectly to unlock Levis’s arm talent.

“We’re looking for someone who can build an explosive offense tailored to our roster,” an anonymous Titans executive told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The team’s 2023 offensive ranking—dead last in the league at 32nd in points per game (16.6)—highlights the urgency. Hiring Sarkisian could signal a shift toward a pass-heavy scheme, leveraging wideouts like DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley, who combined for 2,100 receiving yards last season.

The Titans aren’t alone in eyeing SEC talent; the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers have also dipped into college waters recently. However, Tennessee’s proximity to SEC country and its history of poaching from the conference—Vrabel himself was a college assistant—make Sarkisian a natural target. Reports from SEC insiders align with Adam Schefter’s ESPN update, noting that preliminary talks with Sarkisian’s camp occurred during the NFL Combine in late February.

Financially, the Titans have cap space and a rebuild mindset, offering Sarkisian a reported five-year, $30 million deal, per league sources. This contrasts with Texas’s $5.6 million annual salary for Sarkisian, which ranks among the top 10 in college football but pales against NFL head coaching averages exceeding $7 million.

Insiders Dish on Sarkisian’s NFL Appeal and Potential Hurdles

Behind the scenes, the buzz around Steve Sarkisian‘s possible NFL leap is fueled by endorsements from heavyweights like Saban, who called him “the best offensive mind I’ve coached with” in a post-retirement interview. NFL coaches polled by The Athletic ranked Sarkisian among the top five college candidates, citing his 2023 Texas offense that ranked third nationally in total yards (489 per game).

Yet, challenges loom. Sarkisian’s 2015 firing from USC amid personal issues—later addressed through sobriety—remains a talking point, though his Texas tenure has quelled doubts. “He’s matured into a leader,” said Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte. “But the NFL is a different beast—24/7 scrutiny without the college recruiting buffer.”

For the Titans, integrating Sarkisian means navigating a defense that allowed 24.3 points per game in 2023, second-worst in the AFC South. His scheme emphasizes balance, as seen in Texas’s 2024 spring practices focusing on run-pass options. Quote from a Titans scout: “Sarkisian could revitalize us like Sean McVay did for the Rams—young, innovative, and QB-whisperer.”

Comparisons to successful transitions abound: Kliff Kingsbury went from Texas Tech to the Cardinals in 2019, though his tenure ended prematurely. Sarkisian’s edge? Deeper NFL roots, including a stint under Pete Carroll with the Seahawks. Pro Football Focus data shows his play-calling efficiency at 68% success rate in college, translating well to pros per analytics models.

Recruiting implications for Texas are stark; losing Sarkisian mid-SEC transition could stall momentum, especially with five-star commits like Arch Manning waiting in the wings. Yet, his departure might accelerate the program’s professionalization, drawing more NFL-style assistants.

Texas Faces Uncertain Future as Sarkisian Weighs NFL Options

At the University of Texas, the rumor mill has administrators on edge. Sarkisian’s contract runs through 2030, with a $4 million buyout if he leaves for the NFL, but incentives tied to playoff success could sweeten any exit. The Longhorns’ 12-win 2023 season, capped by a Sugar Bowl victory over Washington (37-31), solidified his legacy, but SEC rivals like Georgia and Alabama loom large.

Player reactions are mixed. Ewers, who threw for 3,479 yards and 27 touchdowns under Sarkisian, tweeted supportively: “Coach S has changed my life—whatever he chooses, I’ll back him.” Meanwhile, the booster-rich Texas program eyes internals like offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes as a successor, though no names have been floated officially.

Broader NFL trends favor such moves; eight of the last 10 Super Bowl-winning coaches had college experience. For the Titans, landing Sarkisian could stabilize a franchise that’s cycled through three coaches since 2018, boosting ticket sales in a market hungry for relevance. Season ticket renewals dipped 15% post-Vrabel, per local reports, underscoring the need for star power.

Analytics from Sports Info Solutions project that Sarkisian’s offense could lift the Titans’ win total by 3-4 games in year one, assuming defensive tweaks. His emphasis on analytics—Texas led college football in expected points added per play (2.1)—aligns with the NFL‘s data-driven era.

What Lies Ahead: Titans’ Timeline and Texas’s Contingency Plans

As the NFL Combine wraps and free agency looms in March, the Titans aim to name a coach by mid-April, per league mandates. Sarkisian’s schedule includes Texas’s pro day on March 20, where NFL scouts will mingle, potentially teeing up formal interviews. If he joins Tennessee, expect a staff overhaul, with Texas assistants like Kyle Flood following to bolster the lines.

For Texas, the focus shifts to retention. Athletic director Del Conte has hinted at contract extensions for key staff, while NIL collectives prepare war chests to keep talent. A Sarkisian exit might even attract big names like Lane Kiffin, who’s thrived at Ole Miss.

The ripple effects extend league-wide: Other SEC coaches like Brian Kelly (LSU) could see renewed NFL interest, accelerating the talent exchange. Fans in Austin and Nashville await clarity, but one thing’s certain—this saga could redefine coaching trajectories for years. With Sarkisian’s decision potentially weeks away, the football world holds its breath for what’s next in this high-stakes drama.