So Sad; Texas Longhorns Coach, Steve Sarkisian Announces His Departure Due To … See More

**So Sad: Texas Longhorns Coach, Steve Sarkisian Announces His Departure Due To Personal Reasons**

In a shocking turn of events, Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns football team, announced his departure from the program, citing “personal reasons.” The news, delivered in an emotional statement, has left fans, players, and the entire college football community stunned. Sarkisian, who was brought in with high hopes to restore the Longhorns to national prominence, had guided the team through significant challenges, including a rebuilding phase and an increasingly competitive Big 12 conference. His sudden resignation raises questions about the future direction of the program and leaves many wondering about the personal struggles that led to his decision.

### A Promising Beginning

Steve Sarkisian was hired as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns in January 2021, succeeding Tom Herman. Sarkisian came to Austin with a wealth of experience, having served as the offensive coordinator at Alabama, where he helped lead the Crimson Tide to a national championship. His resume also included stints as head coach at Washington and USC, where he demonstrated his ability to develop dynamic offenses and recruit elite talent. Expectations were high as he took over a Texas program that had underperformed in recent years, despite its storied history and immense resources.

In his first two seasons, Sarkisian showed flashes of brilliance. The Longhorns had a solid 2021 campaign, with a 5-7 record that, while disappointing, included notable wins and a high-scoring offense that hinted at what was to come. In 2022, the Longhorns showed significant improvement, finishing with an 8-4 record, including a thrilling victory over Oklahoma and a competitive showing in the Big 12. Under Sarkisian’s leadership, the team’s offense began to take shape, with star players like quarterback Quinn Ewers, running back Bijan Robinson, and wide receiver Xavier Worthy emerging as potential future NFL stars.

Texas appeared poised for even greater success in 2023, with many projecting the team as a possible College Football Playoff contender. However, the season has been a rollercoaster, marked by inconsistent play and close losses in critical games. Despite this, there was still optimism surrounding Sarkisian’s ability to turn things around, especially with the program preparing for its upcoming transition to the SEC.

### The Announcement

In a tearful press conference, Steve Sarkisian addressed the media and the Longhorns fanbase, explaining that his decision to step down was due to “personal reasons” that required his immediate attention. Though he did not go into detail about the nature of these personal matters, he emphasized that this decision was made with a heavy heart and after much contemplation. Sarkisian expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach at Texas and acknowledged the challenges he faced in trying to restore the program to its former glory.

“It is with deep sadness that I must announce my decision to step away from the University of Texas,” said Sarkisian, visibly emotional. “I’ve given everything I have to this program, but right now, I need to focus on my family and my well-being. This decision was not made lightly, and I want to thank the university, the players, and the fans for their support during my time here. The Longhorns will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte echoed Sarkisian’s sentiment, offering full support for the coach’s decision. “We respect Coach Sarkisian’s decision and will provide him with all the time and space he needs to focus on his personal matters,” Del Conte said. “We are grateful for his contributions to our program, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

### The Impact on the Program

Sarkisian’s departure leaves a significant void at the helm of the Texas Longhorns football team, just as the program appeared to be on the cusp of a breakthrough. With a talented roster, a high-profile recruiting class, and the impending move to the SEC, the timing of his resignation is particularly poignant. The Longhorns will now need to quickly pivot and find an interim coach or a permanent replacement who can continue the momentum Sarkisian had begun building.

The players, who had developed a close relationship with Sarkisian, are also left in a state of uncertainty. Quarterback Quinn Ewers, running back Bijan Robinson, and the rest of the team had bought into Sarkisian’s vision for the future, and now they must adjust to a new leadership structure. Team leaders, along with the assistant coaching staff, will likely need to step up in the interim to keep the program on track.

The emotional toll on both Sarkisian and the team is undeniable, but it’s clear that family and personal health must always come first. In the coming days, more details may emerge about the specific reasons behind Sarkisian’s departure, but for now, the Texas Longhorns football program is left to navigate a challenging transition.

### Looking Ahead

While Steve Sarkisian’s time at Texas may have been shorter than anticipated, his legacy at the university will not be forgotten. He helped revitalize an offense that had long underperformed and recruited a roster filled with talented players who will continue to carry the Longhorns’ torch. Whether or not Sarkisian ever returns to coaching, his impact on the program and the players he mentored will endure.

For the Texas Longhorns, the future is uncertain, but the support of their fanbase, the strength of the program’s resources, and a talented coaching staff give the team a foundation to continue moving forward. As the search for a new head coach begins, one thing is clear: the Longhorns will always stand behind their coaches, players, and their commitment to overcoming adversity.