Steve, Loreal Sarkisian share cryptic posts amid Alabama speculation

As the search begins to replace Nick Saban at Alabama, a name that came up right away was Steve Sarkisian. The Texas head coach was well-regarded during his time in Tuscaloosa as Saban’s offensive coordinator, and some fans wondered if he’d consider leaving the Longhorns to return to the Crimson Tide.

Thursday night, Sarkisian and his wife Loreal both shared Texas-centric posts on X — perhaps signaling he’s staying put.

Steve Sarkisian shared a photo that said “It’s a Great Day to be a Longhorn!!” with a “Hook ‘Em” emoji. Shortly after that, Loreal Sarkisian posted “TEXAS” with a Hook ‘Em and an orange heart. Those come as Alabama wraps up the first full day of its search to replace Saban after he announced his retirement on Wednesday.

Sarkisian just wrapped up his third season at Texas, leading the Longhorns to their first conference title since 2009 as they made their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. He got the better of Saban this season as Texas defeated Alabama at Bryant Denny Stadium in Week 2, marking his first victory over his former boss.

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne promised a hire within 72 hours of Saban’s decision, which came at 4 p.m. local time on Wednesday. One early candidate appeared to be Oregon’s Dan Lanning, who served as a graduate assistant under Saban in 2015 and is one of the top young coaches in the country. However, he made it clear he’s staying with the Ducks — taking a big name off the table.

Details on the search have been scarce, as has been the case with Byrne in the past. Some names emerging in the early going are Washington’s Kalen DeBoer and Florida State’s Mike Norvell, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. In fact, they appear to be the focal points, although offensive coordinator Tommy Rees could be an internal candidate for an interview as well, according to reports.

“The first day of this Alabama search — at least a full day — could be considered a winnowing day,” Thamel said. “Alabama obviously had some aspirational candidates and they were going to make their calls to the Kirby Smarts of the world. Essentially, force people to make them say no. They’re going to eventually winnow day to the candidates where there are strong mutual interest.

“My expectation over the next 48 hours is that Mike Norvell at Florida State and Kalen DeBoer at Washington come into focus. … Look for those two to become the center of the search in the near future.”