As Alabama searches for a replacement for arguably the most successful head coach in college football history, it can cross Steve Sarkisian’s name off its list of potential replacements.
On Friday morning, the Texas Longhorns’ official X (formerly Twitter) account posted a video in which Sarkisian seemingly reaffirms his commitment to the program following Nick Saban’s retirement at Alabama. The 20-second clip, narrated by Sarkisian, includes clips of him throughout his Texas tenure and ends with a screenshot of a social media post in which he stated “It’s a great day to be a Longhorn!”
“I came here to win championships, that’s the goal,” Sarkisian says in the video. “We’re here to chase greatness, to win championships. This is the University of Texas and people are going to want to be a part of it. It sure is great to be on the Forty Acres.”
Just getting started 🤘@CoachSark pic.twitter.com/YAh8mj8dTe
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) January 12, 2024
Having previously served as the head coach at Washington and USC, Sarkisian spent three seasons working under Saban at Alabama, including a two-year stint as the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator from 2019-2020. In three seasons in Austin, the 49-year-old has amassed a 25-14 record, including a 12-2 mark during the 2023 season, which ended with a loss to Washington in the College Football Playoff semifinal Sugar Bowl.
Coincidentally, Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer is currently the betting favorite to be Alabama’s next head coach.
With quarterback Quinn Ewers having committed to returning to Texas for his senior campaign, the Longhorns figure to once again be a national title contender in 2024. Following Sarkisian’s announcement on Friday, many took to social media to react.
“Jimmy just got me a raise, and he can get you one too!” https://t.co/0zOWHCFnaL
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) January 12, 2024
No reason to leave. Texas is a top three job in college football. https://t.co/246TcPmiis
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) January 12, 2024
It rocks that the way coaches announce they aren't leaving their jobs is just by posting sizzle reels https://t.co/j3ZjY9JgO1
— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) January 12, 2024
Dan Lanning: Not leaving
Steve Sarkisian: Not leaving https://t.co/XqJpJBPCdK— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) January 12, 2024
These coaches have got to tithe 10% of their raises to Nick Saban https://t.co/hfved3i9um
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) January 12, 2024
That’s how a Blue Blood program supposed to retain talent.
Damn right we just getting started Coach Sark! 🤘🏾
The future is bright! 😎 https://t.co/Gn1e3VLSL8
— Fanatic Perspective (@Fan_Prspective) January 12, 2024
The absolute right call for Coach Sark.
Building a monster in Austin.
Can blaze his own path.
QB situation rock solid in near future
Austin is an amazing city
Added bonus: No State Income Tax in Texas https://t.co/uU9vTCjlOt— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) January 12, 2024
