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The No. 22 Texas Longhorns enter Week 9 with a 5-2 record, a disappointing start for a team that began the season as the preseason No. 1 program. More News: Jimbo Fisher Looking for Coaching Job Amid Likely Florida State Opening Texas has suffered losses to then-No. 3 Ohio State and Florida. While the Buckeyes (currently ranked No. 1) have proven to be one of the best teams in the country this fall, the Gators are not, as UF fired head coach Billy Napier amid a 3-4 start. The marriage between Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and quarterback Arch Manning has not been as promised. The development of the offense has not been prominent, as recently evidenced by the Longhorns’ 16-13 overtime win over Kentucky in Week 8. COLUMBUS, OHIO – AUGUST 30: Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns looks on while playing the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on August 30, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) More News: College Football Ref ‘Permanently Suspended’ For Questionable Calls While Manning’s play this season suggests he won’t be jumping to the NFL in 2026, his head coach wants to flirt with the league. Per Dianna Russini of The Athletic, representatives for Sarkisian are putting out feelers for potential head coach openings in the league this hiring cycle, as well as the Tennessee Titans job. “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 wrote. Sarkisian is under a lot of pressure to do well at Texas, as the Longhorns have invested heavily in the college football program. Manning has the highest NIL valuation in the sport. It appears the wheels are spinning in the mud at Austin, and Sarkisian could be looking for a way out. Sarkisian went 34-29 during his five seasons with the Washington Huskies. He went 12-6 during a brief stint at USC. Sarkisian is 42-19 at Texas and 25-12 in conference play. He led the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff in 2023 and 2024. It’ll be interesting to see if Sarkisian draws any serious interviews in the league. He signed a contract extension with Texas in February that lasts through 2031. He’ll make $10.8 million in 2025. For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
