Sarkisian, Agents Deny Reported NFL Interest

Texas rallied from a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Mississippi State 45-38 in overtime, a victory that unfolded amid reports from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini that Steve Sarkisian or his representatives had signaled interest in NFL head-coaching openings, including the Tennessee Titans. Sarkisian’s agents, Jimmy Sexton and Ed Marynowitz of CAA, called the reporting “patently false and wildly inaccurate,” saying Sarkisian is “solely focused on coaching the University of Texas football team,” and Sarkisian echoed that stance after the game, saying the false report angered him and that he spoke out to protect his locker room. The episode renewed debate about the realism of an NFL move: Sarkisian has prior NFL experience but would be a first-time NFL head coach. Sarkisian currently earns about $10.8 million a year and has a large buyout in his Texas contract, which would complicate any potential switch to the NFL. For now, both the coach and his representatives insist he remains committed to Texas, though analysts and fans are weighing potential impacts on recruiting and the team's future, including quarterback Arch Manning, if circumstances change.