Report: Steve Sarkisian interested in potential head coach openings in NFL

Steve Sarkisian might have his sights set on the NFL. The Texas head coach, who has led the Longhorns since 2021, is reportedly interested in exploring professional opportunities, including the Tennessee Titans’ head coaching position.

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, representatives for Sarkisian have made it known to NFL decision-makers that the coach would be open to potential head coaching openings. Russini shared the update Saturday morning ahead of Texas’ matchup with Mississippi State.

“I’m told that representatives for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian have let NFL decision makers know that he would be interested in potential head coaching openings, including the Titans,” Russini reported.

Sarkisian is no stranger to the professional ranks. He served as quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders in 2004 and later spent two seasons as offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons from 2017–2018. Making the leap to the NFL as a head coach however would mark a major career shift.

Still, the move would make sense. Sarkisian has developed a reputation as one of college football’s premier offensive minds and quarterback developers, traits that are increasingly coveted at the next level. NFL teams could be intrigued to see how his system translates against professional defenses.

If the Titans became his landing spot, Sarkisian would inherit rookie quarterback Cam Ward, the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Tennessee remains the only current opening, but more vacancies will emerge by season’s end, with speculation surrounding the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.

From Texas’ perspective, losing Sarkisian would be a stunning development. He’s helped stabilize and elevate the program, steering the Longhorns back into national title contention and managing their transition to the SEC with poise. Though Texas has fallen short of their championship dreams in recent years, the foundation under Sarkisian has been solid.

This year has been a bit more challenging though for the Longhorns. Now sitting at 5–2, Texas faces a must-win stretch to keep postseason hopes alive. Arch Manning’s continued development remains a bright spot and a point of discussion, and the Longhorns still have plenty to play for.

Should Sarkisian depart, the ripple effects would be felt across college football, potentially creating more NFL opportunities for other top offensive minds in college football like Lane Kiffin or Lincoln Riley. It’s a copycat league, after all.

For now, it’s simply interest. But any movement from Sarkisian toward the NFL would undoubtedly send shockwaves through both the college and professional ranks.