Steve Sarkisian is staying at Texas and reportedly nearing a new contract amid Alabama rumors.
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has reiterated his commitment to the program, despite rumors linking him to the Alabama head coaching job after Nick Saban’s retirement.
Sarkisian and the Longhorns are “close” to agreeing on a contract extension with a raise to keep him in Texas, according to Chip Brown of 247Sports.
Saban retired as Alabama’s head coach earlier this week, ending a storied era that featured nine SEC victories and six national championships.
Sarkisian was rumored to be Saban’s successor after serving as the program’s offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2020 before being named as the Longhorns’ head coach for the 2021 season.
In three seasons at Texas, the 49-year-old has a 25-14 record, leading the Longhorns to back-to-back bowl games in 2022 and 2023. He also guided the program to its first College Football Playoff appearance this season.
In addition to Sarkisian, potential alternatives for Saban include Florida State’s Mike Norvell, Washington’s Kalen DeBoer, Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin, and Oregon’s Dan Lanning.
Lanning has already denied reports of a possible move to the SEC powerhouse.
“If you’re afraid your coach will go, come play for us. “The Ducks aren’t going anywhere, and neither am I,” read the caption on a video posted to Lanning’s X account.
Lanning also stated in the video, “I want to be here in Eugene for as long as Eugene will have me.”
While Sarkisian and Lanning will continue at their respective institutions, Alabama is allegedly considering other possibilities.
According to Richard Johnson of Sports Illustrated, Alabama is interested in DeBoer, Norvell, and current offensive coordinator Tommy Rees to succeed Saban.
It is uncertain when a replacement will be hired, but with probable candidates being narrowed down by the day, it appears that a new head coach will be named soon.
