Steve Sarkisian Resigns from Texas Longhorns, Accepts Head Coaching Job with Texas A&M…
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Steve Sarkisian has announced his resignation as head coach of the Texas Longhorns to take up the same role at Texas A&M. The decision comes after months of speculation surrounding Sarkisian’s future and a season filled with ups and downs for the Longhorns.
Sarkisian’s departure from Texas and subsequent move to their in-state rival marks one of the most high-profile coaching transitions in recent history. The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from fans, players, and analysts, and it sets the stage for a fascinating chapter in the storied rivalry between the Longhorns and the Aggies.
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Sarkisian’s Tenure with the Longhorns
Steve Sarkisian was hired by Texas in January 2021 with high expectations, following his successful tenure as offensive coordinator at Alabama. His offensive brilliance and leadership skills made him one of the hottest coaching commodities at the time.
In his three seasons with the Longhorns, Sarkisian compiled a record of 25-14, including two appearances in the Big 12 Championship Game. Despite these achievements, the Longhorns fell short of the lofty expectations set for the program, particularly in terms of competing for College Football Playoff berths and national championships.
Sarkisian’s tenure was marked by flashes of brilliance, including marquee wins over Oklahoma and Alabama, but also by frustrating losses to underdog teams. Critics often pointed to inconsistent performances and challenges in player development as areas of concern.
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The Decision to Join Texas A&M
Sarkisian’s decision to leave Texas was reportedly influenced by the opportunity to lead Texas A&M, a program with immense resources, a passionate fanbase, and a hunger for success in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
In a statement announcing his move, Sarkisian expressed his gratitude to the Longhorns and excitement for his future with the Aggies:
“Coaching at Texas has been an incredible experience, and I’m deeply grateful to the players, staff, and fans for their support. At the same time, the opportunity to lead Texas A&M is one I couldn’t pass up. I believe in the vision of this program and can’t wait to get started.”
Texas A&M Athletic Director Ross Bjork welcomed Sarkisian with open arms, emphasizing the coach’s track record and offensive acumen:
“Steve Sarkisian is a proven winner with a championship pedigree. His ability to develop players and lead dynamic offenses aligns perfectly with our goals. We’re thrilled to have him as part of the Aggie family.”
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Implications for Texas Longhorns
Sarkisian’s departure leaves a significant void for the Longhorns, who must now embark on a search for a new head coach. The timing of the move, just ahead of the 2025 season, adds urgency to the process.
Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte addressed the situation in a press conference:
“We’re grateful to Coach Sarkisian for his contributions to our program. While this is a challenging moment, we’re committed to finding a leader who will build on our foundation and take Texas football to new heights.”
The Longhorns’ recruiting efforts may also be impacted in the short term, as Sarkisian had been instrumental in securing commitments from top prospects. Ensuring continuity and stability will be a top priority for the next head coach.
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What Sarkisian Brings to Texas A&M
At Texas A&M, Sarkisian inherits a program with a strong roster, state-of-the-art facilities, and a fanbase eager for success. The Aggies have consistently been competitive in the SEC but have struggled to break through as a true national powerhouse.
Sarkisian’s offensive expertise is expected to be a game-changer for the Aggies. Known for his innovative play-calling and ability to develop quarterbacks, Sarkisian is poised to elevate Texas A&M’s offense to one of the most dynamic in college football.
The Aggies also benefit from Sarkisian’s recruiting prowess. During his time at Texas, he secured top-tier recruiting classes, and he is expected to bring the same level of energy and effectiveness to College Station.
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Fan Reactions
The news of Sarkisian’s move has elicited strong reactions from fans of both programs.
Longhorns fans have expressed a mix of disappointment and frustration, with many questioning the loyalty of their former coach. On social media, hashtags like #HookEmForever and #SarkLeaves trended as fans shared their thoughts.
Conversely, Aggies fans have celebrated the hire as a major coup. Many see Sarkisian as the coach who can finally guide Texas A&M to SEC and national prominence.
One Texas A&M fan tweeted:
“Welcome to the Aggie family, Sark! We’re ready to see what you can do in maroon and white. Gig ’em!”
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The Rivalry Intensifies
Sarkisian’s move adds a new layer of intensity to the rivalry between Texas and Texas A&M. With the Longhorns set to join the SEC in 2025, the two programs are on a collision course for high-stakes matchups in the years to come.
Analysts have already begun speculating about the first meeting between Sarkisian’s Aggies and his former team. The narrative of a coach facing his old program is certain to draw national attention and make the rivalry even more compelling.
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What’s Next for Both Programs
For Texas A&M, the focus now shifts to integrating Sarkisian into the program and preparing for the upcoming season. With a talented roster and high expectations, the Aggies are poised to make a strong push in the SEC.
For Texas, the search for a new head coach will dominate the coming weeks. The Longhorns will need a leader capable of guiding them through the transition to the SEC while maintaining the program’s storied legacy.
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Conclusion
Steve Sarkisian’s decision to resign from Texas and accept the head coaching job at Texas A&M is a defining moment for both programs. His move underscores the high stakes and fierce competition of college football, particularly in the state of Texas.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Sarkisian and the Aggies as they embark on a new era. Meanwhile, the Longhorns will look to regroup and continue their pursuit of excellence under new leadership.
One thing is certain: the rivalry between Texas and Texas A&M is about to reach unprecedented heights, with Sarkisian’s move serving as the catalyst for an exciting new chapter in their shared history.
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