As of today, Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Texas Longhorns football team, has been unexpectedly fired. The decision has sent shockwaves through the college football world, given the high expectations placed on his tenure and the prominent position Texas holds within the sport.

Sarkisian was hired in 2021 to lead the Longhorns with the goal of returning the program to its former glory. He brought with him a solid coaching pedigree, having previously served as head coach at Washington and USC, and as an offensive coordinator at Alabama, where he played a key role in the team’s success. The hope was that his offensive acumen would rejuvenate a Texas team that had been struggling to regain its dominance.

Despite initial optimism, Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas has been filled with inconsistency. Over the past few seasons, the Longhorns have failed to meet the lofty expectations set by the program’s rich history and fanbase. Although Texas has seen flashes of promise under Sarkisian, including a competitive season in 2023, his teams have failed to secure key victories, especially against top-tier opponents. Texas’ lack of success in major bowl games and inability to consistently compete for a College Football Playoff spot led to increasing pressure on Sarkisian’s leadership.

The firing also comes at a time of transition within the Big 12 Conference, as Texas prepares to join the SEC, a move that adds more scrutiny to the program. As the Longhorns look to elevate their profile in one of the toughest football conferences, the decision to part ways with Sarkisian may be seen as an effort to find a coach who can bring immediate success in the highly competitive SEC environment.

Sarkisian’s firing is also part of a broader trend in college football, where high-profile programs are not hesitating to make changes at the head coach position when results do not meet expectations. With significant resources and a strong recruiting base, Texas is expected to quickly turn the page and find a new head coach who can lead the program to national championships. For now, the Longhorns’ search for a new leader begins as they attempt to move forward from the Sarkisian era.