The University of Texas has arguably the most impatient football program.
With the boosters, financial influencers, power brokers, and oil tycoons, more than the head coach has an opinion on how the Longhorns should be run. Texas believes it is the biggest brand in college football, and its fans embrace a “win now” attitude at all times. Steve Sarkisian knew this when he took the job; however, it looks like it’s becoming too much for him.
After a 4-1 start to the season, Texas has lost five straight games — including a stunning one-point loss to Kansas (56-57) at home.
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The Jayhawks had one victory until knocking off the ‘Horns. Fans in Austin are sick to their stomachs, and supporters have sounded off on Sarkisian via Twitter. He was an incredible offensive coordinator at Alabama, yet the title of “head coach” has not been fruitful to him.
His tenures at Washington (2009-13) and the University of Southern California (2014-15) did not end well.
Steve Sarkisian just isn’t a good HC. Texas should return him to sender just bc it’s the right thing to do ☺️
— 𝙹𝚞𝚕𝚔 ❂ (@Ro11Julk) November 14, 2021
FINAL: Kansas 57, Texas 56
Never forget: Texas fired Tom Herman after a 7-3 season, and paid him $15.4 million to go away.
They then paid Steve Sarkisian $36 million to come be their head coach.
Kansas fired Les Miles in March, and somehow ended up with a better coach
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) November 14, 2021
Lowly Kansas is beating Texas 35-14 in Austin,Texas an I am beginning to think Texas may fire Steve Sarkisian after this season is over I know Sark is in only his first season at Texas but Tom Herman left Sark a loaded roster an all Sark has done but turn Texas into a train wreck
— Eastman Lewus (@EastmanLewus) November 14, 2021
Steve Sarkisian is an elite OC and I’d drive to Austin to bring him back to Tuscaloosa. I’m not sure about HC, yet. That said, Texas is still the same weak team they’ve been for over a decade.
— The Unhipster (@52onayz) November 14, 2021
Kansas goes into Austin and knocks off Texas 57-56.
Things are going down the drain for Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns.
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) November 14, 2021
Texas firing Tom Herman for Steve Sarkisian for the results this year is exactly why you stand behind Scott Frost. Grass is not always greener. #GBR #Huskers
— Zach Potter (@ZachPotterTE) November 14, 2021
Texas is 4-6 on the year and could finish with a losing season. Sarkisian’s job is on the line, but would thee Longhorns swap coaches with Alabama? Despite his success, Bill O’Brien has faced scrutiny from fans in his first year as offensive coordinator.
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Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien talking on the sideline during a matchup against Florida in 2021: Photo by Kim Klement – USA Today Sports
His calls have been inconsistent at times. According to a poll via Touchdown Alabama Magazine, 41.9 percent of fans graded O’Brien with a “C.” However, others graded him an “F” and feel like he does not fit what the Crimson Tide is now on offense.
How would you rate the job Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator is doing so far after 9 games?
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) November 8, 2021
F
— Dobermans Are Cool (@craikgeoff) November 8, 2021
F
— CT (@chadrick_taylor) November 8, 2021
O’Brien is not a good fit. I like Bama, but either the Auburn game or if they make it to the SEC championship game against Georgia, they’re going to get a major 🤬 whoppin’!
— Rick Butler (@rickybutler24) November 8, 2021
O’Brien, unlike Sarkisian, has had more success as a head coach.
He took over for Joe Paterno at Penn State from 2012-13.
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Penn State University was in a child sexual abuse scandal — involving Jerry Sandusky — that led to Paterno stepping down and his unfortunate death. O’Brien put his hands on the program and produced a 15-9 record in two years. The Nittany Lions could not participate in bowl games — due to sanctions — but he made it competitive in the Big Ten. He was fired from the Houston Texans, but O’Brien had some good moments. He won four AFC South Division titles in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019.
O’Brien won a few honors at Penn State, including Paul “Bear” Bryant Award, Big Ten Coach of the Year, and Maxwell Coach of the Year in 2012.
O’Brien would make a better college football head coach than offensive play-caller.
Not saying Texas and Alabama will swap coaches, but it is something to consider.
It is not looking good for Sarkisian in Texas.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
