Steve Sarkisian NFL Rumors Ignite: Texas Longhorns Coach Draws Titans Interest in Coaching Carousel

In a twist that’s sending shockwaves through college football and the NFL alike, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is emerging as a prime candidate for NFL coaching vacancies, with the Tennessee Titans reportedly leading the charge in their search for a new head man. As whispers of coaching rumors intensify, sources close to the situation indicate that Sarkisian’s blend of offensive wizardry and proven leadership could lure him back to the professional ranks he once navigated successfully.

The buzz began circulating late last week following the Titans’ decision to part ways with their previous coach, igniting a frenzy in NFL circles. For Sarkisian, who’s revitalized the Texas program since taking over in 2021, this potential pivot represents a crossroads: stay and chase national titles in Austin, or return to the NFL where his career first took flight. With the Titans’ roster featuring young talent like quarterback Will Levis, the opportunity to mold an NFL offense could prove irresistible.

Sarkisian’s Texas Revival: From Rocky Start to Playoff Contender

Steve Sarkisian’s tenure at the Texas Longhorns has been nothing short of transformative, turning a program mired in mediocrity into a legitimate powerhouse. Hired in January 2021 after a stint as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, Sarkisian inherited a Longhorns squad that had posted a dismal 5-7 record the previous season under Tom Herman. Fast forward to 2023, and Texas not only secured a berth in the College Football Playoff but also finished with a 12-2 record, including a thrilling 37-31 Sugar Bowl victory over Washington.

Under Sarkisian’s guidance, the Longhorns’ offense exploded onto the national scene. In 2023, Texas ranked third nationally in total offense, averaging 524.5 yards per game, a marked improvement from the 2021 campaign where they scraped by with 385.2 yards. Quarterback Quinn Ewers, under Sarkisian’s tutelage, threw for 3,479 yards and 27 touchdowns, earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors. “Steve has brought a pro-style offense to Austin that’s light-years ahead of what we’ve seen,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “He’s grooming these kids for the NFL, which makes him a natural fit for teams like the Titans.”

But the success hasn’t come without challenges. Early recruiting battles in the SEC-bound Texas landscape tested Sarkisian’s mettle, yet he assembled top-10 classes in both 2022 and 2023, per 247Sports rankings. The 2024 season promises even more, with five-star quarterback Arch Manning waiting in the wings as Ewers eyes the NFL Draft. This resurgence has not only boosted Texas’ profile but also amplified the coaching rumors swirling around Sarkisian, positioning him as a hot commodity beyond college football.

Statistically, Sarkisian’s impact is undeniable. Since 2021, Texas has improved its win total by seven games, from five to twelve, and boasts a plus-20 point differential in conference play. Fans in Austin are buzzing, but the NFL’s siren call—fueled by his past experience—looms large. As one Longhorns booster noted anonymously, “We’re thrilled with Steve, but we know the NFL pays more and offers stability. It’s a double-edged sword.”

Titans’ Desperate Search: Why Sarkisian Tops the NFL Wishlist

The Tennessee Titans’ coaching vacancy, created after a 6-11 season in 2023 that saw them finish last in the AFC South, has become ground zero for NFL coaching rumors. Owner Amy Adams Strunk and general manager Ran Carthon are casting a wide net, but Steve Sarkisian’s name keeps surfacing in league insiders’ conversations. With a young core including running back Tony Pollard and defensive standout Jeffery Simmons, the Titans need an offensive mind to unlock their potential, and Sarkisian fits the bill perfectly.

Tennessee’s offense ranked 28th in the NFL last year, mustering just 18.9 points per game—a far cry from the explosiveness Sarkisian engineered at Texas. The Titans’ search process has already interviewed high-profile candidates like Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh (who opted for the Chargers) and Lions OC Ben Johnson, but Sarkisian’s availability as a sitting college coach adds intrigue. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, “The Titans see Sarkisian as a fresh voice who can install a modern, pass-heavy scheme tailored to Will Levis’ arm strength.”

Levis, the 2023 third-round pick, showed flashes in limited action, completing 63.5% of his passes for 1,808 yards and eight touchdowns. But inconsistency plagued the Titans’ attack, exacerbated by injuries to key receivers. Sarkisian’s track record with quarterbacks—developing Jalen Hurts at Alabama and now Ewers at Texas—makes him an appealing choice. In fact, during his time as Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator in 2021, Sarkisian’s unit ranked 12th in passing yards, a testament to his NFL adaptability.

The Titans aren’t alone in their interest; other NFL teams, including the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers, have reportedly inquired about Sarkisian amid their own coaching rumors. However, Tennessee’s proximity to recruiting hotbeds and its ample cap space (projected at $85 million for 2024) could sway the 50-year-old coach. As the NFL Combine approaches in late February, expect the Titans to ramp up efforts, potentially offering Sarkisian a multi-year deal worth upwards of $7 million annually—dwarfing his reported $5.6 million at Texas.

Tracing Sarkisian’s Path: NFL Roots to College Stardom

Steve Sarkisian’s journey from NFL assistant to Texas Longhorns head coach is a narrative of resilience and reinvention, making his current NFL coaching rumors all the more compelling. A former quarterback at BYU, Sarkisian broke into coaching as a graduate assistant there in 2000 before ascending rapidly. His NFL breakthrough came in 2004 as the Oakland Raiders’ quarterbacks coach, where he mentored Rich Gannon to a Pro Bowl season.

By 2009, Sarkisian had returned to the college ranks as head coach at Washington, posting a 34-35 record over five years, including a 7-6 campaign in 2013. Stints followed at USC (interim head coach in 2019) and Alabama, where he orchestrated a national championship offense in 2020, averaging 526.9 yards per game. That success propelled him to Texas, but his NFL interlude with the Falcons in 2021—where he called plays for Matt Ryan—kept his professional ties strong.

“I’ve always loved the pro game,” Sarkisian said in a 2022 interview with The Athletic. “The speed, the talent—it’s what drew me to coaching initially.” This affinity explains the persistent NFL interest. During his Falcons tenure, Atlanta’s offense improved from 23rd to 12th in scoring, a jump that Titans executives likely covet. Comparatively, Sarkisian’s college offenses have mirrored NFL schemes, emphasizing RPOs and play-action, which could seamlessly translate to Tennessee.

Critics point to his 46-35 career college head coaching record, but supporters highlight context: at Washington, he dealt with sanctions; at USC, instability reigned. At Texas, he’s 25-13 through three seasons, with a .657 winning percentage. As coaching rumors escalate, Sarkisian’s dual-world experience positions him uniquely—perhaps too well for the Longhorns to retain him long-term.

Potential Fallout: Impact on Texas and Titans’ Futures

If Steve Sarkisian heeds the NFL’s call and joins the Tennessee Titans, the ripples would extend far beyond Nashville and Austin. For the Texas Longhorns, losing their architect mid-ascension could stall momentum just as they enter the SEC in 2024. With a loaded schedule featuring Michigan, Georgia, and Oklahoma, Sarkisian’s departure might thrust defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski into the interim role, forcing a scramble for a replacement amid coaching rumors.

Texas athletics director Chris Del Conte has a $10 million buyout to navigate, but the program’s $2.7 billion valuation in the evolving college landscape demands continuity. Recruits like five-star wideout Ryan Wingo, committed for 2024, have cited Sarkisian’s NFL pedigree as a draw. A vacancy could trigger decommitments, especially with rivals like Oklahoma State circling.

Conversely, for the Titans, Sarkisian could herald a new era. Pairing him with Levis might accelerate the QB’s development, akin to how Sarkisian elevated Hurts. Projections from Pro Football Focus suggest Levis could post a 90+ passer rating under a Sarkisian-led offense, boosting Tennessee’s playoff odds from slim to viable. The team’s 2024 draft picks, including potential offensive line reinforcements, align with Sarkisian’s zone-blocking preferences.

Broader NFL coaching rumors paint a picture of flux: with eight head coaching changes this offseason, Sarkisian’s versatility stands out. Analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. predict his hire could make the Titans a dark horse in the AFC South, challenging the Texans and Jaguars. As interviews unfold, the decision looms—loyalty to Texas or the allure of NFL glory?

Expert Takes: Voices from the Coaching World Weigh In

The Steve Sarkisian NFL saga has insiders abuzz, with opinions split on whether the Texas Longhorns coach should make the leap to the Tennessee Titans. “Sarkisian’s the real deal—an offensive savant who’s underutilized in college,” opined former NFL coach Jon Gruden on his podcast. “The Titans would be fools not to pursue him aggressively.” Gruden, who worked with Sarkisian indirectly through Raiders connections, praised his scheme’s adaptability to pro defenses.

On the college side, concerns mount. Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark, speaking at a recent media event, emphasized retaining top coaches: “Talents like Steve are the lifeblood of our conference. We hate to see them poached by the NFL.” Yet, even Yormark acknowledged Sarkisian’s marketability, noting his role in elevating Texas’ national profile.

NFL agent Leigh Steinberg, representing several coaches, highlighted the financial incentives: “A Titans deal could double Sarkisian’s salary, plus equity in success. It’s a no-brainer for a guy with his resume.” Steinberg pointed to precedents like Lincoln Riley’s USC stability versus potential NFL jumps, suggesting Sarkisian might prioritize legacy over longevity in college.

Player perspectives add depth. Former Texas QB Sam Ehlinger, now with the Indianapolis Colts, tweeted support: “Coach Sark changed my life—whatever he chooses, he’ll crush it.” Meanwhile, Titans safety Amani Hooker expressed excitement to local media: “We need a spark. If Sark brings that Texas energy, we’re golden.”

As the coaching rumors evolve, these voices underscore the high stakes. With the NFL Draft and free agency on the horizon, Sarkisian’s next move could redefine trajectories for both the Longhorns and Titans, leaving fans on the edge of their seats for resolution.

Looking ahead, the Titans’ search timeline suggests a decision by mid-March, aligning with NCAA tournament lulls that could facilitate Sarkisian’s transition. For Texas, bolstering their staff now—perhaps promoting Kwiatkowski permanently—might mitigate risks. Ultimately, whether Sarkisian stays to chase a Heisman for Manning or heads to Nashville to build around Levis, his choice will echo through the 2024 seasons and beyond, shaping the futures of two storied franchises in the NFL and college football worlds.