Steve Sarkisian explains hiring of Chris Jackson

Steve Sarkisian has done a good job of keeping the majority of his staff in place since taking over at Texas except for one. The wide receiver coach has been a revolving door in Austin, with the third one being hired in as many seasons. Chris Jackson takes over the position for the Longhorns after spending time in the NFL.

When Sarkisian was looking to replace Brennan Marion, who accepted the offensive coordinator role at UNLV, he said a couple of factors led him to Jackson. Stability was No. 1, hoping to get Texas players some consistency over the next few years. Development and Jackson’s youth played a role as well.

“It has not been ideal for our kids, I’ll say that,” Sarkisian said. “Xavier (Worthy), Jordan (Whittington) — three years, three different receiver coaches. So, one was stability. Two was coaching at the NFL level and what that looked like from a developmental standpoint for our players.

“I like his presence, I like his command. Think he shows a great deal of maturity but still has a lot of youth of how he goes about his maturity.”

Andre Coleman was retained by Sarkisian from the Tom Herman era before being let go after the 2020 season. Marion was brought in fresh off working with Biltenikoff Award winner Jordan Addison at Pittsburgh. An offensive coordinator job was always going to come calling for Marion though, even if his stay with Texas was shorter than expected.

Sarkisian seemingly wants Jackson with the program for the long haul. After a lengthy football career, Jackson immediately got into coaching at the NFL level with the Chicago Bears. Only one season was spent in Jacksonville before jumping to the college game.

Wide receiver crucial position for Texas in 2023

As you might expect with coaching turnover, the wide receiver position has been tough for Texas over the past two seasons. Worthy had a breakout freshman season before hitting a bit of a sophomore slump in 2022. Outside of him, there have not been big-time producers at the position for the Longhorns.

Whittington returned for his fifth season of college football, giving the room a big boost. Isaiah Neyor transferred in last offseason before tearing his ACL. Once back healthy, Neyor could change the dynamic of Sarkisian’s playcalling.

However, nobody will play a bigger role than Georgia transfer AD Mitchell. He surprisingly entered the NCAA transfer portal and Texas was his destination. If he can make a similar impact in burnt orange, it’s hard to not get excited.

Add in a couple of freshmen joining the program this spring and Jackson has a great group to work with in Year One. Quarterback Quinn Ewers should have a few more targets to aim at in what many are hoping to be a huge offensive season.