Steve Sarkisian named most intriguing coach in 2021
Steve Starkisian has had a remarkable journey since he was fired from USC in 2014. Now, Sarkisian enters this season as the head coach for a big-time college football program for the first time since he was with Trojans.
One major sports outlet named Sarkisian the most intriguing coach in 2021 just weeks away from the new campaign kicking off.
“The Longhorns spent nearly $50 million to fire Tom Herman and hire Sark, with the express purpose of him leading the $100 million charge into the Southeastern Conference era (whenever it comes to pass),” Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde said. “That’s a lot to throw on the shoulders of a guy with a 46–35 career record who hasn’t been a head coach since 2015. But everything is bigger in Texas, including the gambles. Sark will need some time to build his program but could be afforded little of it.
“Dangerous underdog Louisiana comes to Austin on Sept. 4 with hopes of making a mockery of Texas’s SEC summer power play.”
Steve Sarkisian and Texas united at the right time
The former Alabama offensive coordinator led the high-powered Crimson Tide offense to yet another national title in 2020, capping off a six-year grind to prove himself yet again.
Sarkisian’s prowess when it comes to offensive scheming and coaching football has never been a question mark. With the battles off the field seemingly in the rear view mirror, plenty of reputable media outlets feel like Sark and the 2021 Longhorns are being overlooked.
“A new era of Texas football will kick off this fall as the team welcomes former Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian as head coach and Casey Thompson as the likely starting quarterback,” Pro Football Focus said.
The PFF piece noted Sarkisian’s unique skillset and recent success will be exactly what Texas needs to make a major jump, finally.
“Sarkisian has proved to be one of the top offensive playcallers in college football,” Pro Football Focus said. “He called the plays in 26 games for the Crimson Tide from 2019 to 2020, and not once did the team produce negative expected points added (EPA) per play over a game. Yes, the Alabama program has been full to the brim with talent, but the fact that he didn’t even come close to fielding an inefficient offense is truly absurd.”
The Longhorns may not contend for the Big-12 this season, but it will be a clear indication of progress toward long-term success, according to PFF.
Everyone has their own definition of intriguing. Either way, Texas football is certainly interesting.