Steve Sarkisian Faces Pressure After Texas Loss to Oklahoma
Head coach Steve Sarkisian is under intense scrutiny following No. 1 Texas's loss to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry on October 10, 2026.
Quick facts
- No. 1 Texas lost to unranked Oklahoma on October 10, 2026.
- The Texas offense recorded 13 three-and-outs across two SEC games.
- Analysts suggest Sarkisian should relinquish play-calling duties to a dedicated offensive coordinator.
Why it matters
The scrutiny surrounding Sarkisian highlights a broader trend in high-level college football where head coaches are increasingly expected to manage team-wide strategy rather than focusing exclusively on play-calling. The contrast between Sarkisian's approach and that of other successful coaches who delegate play-calling is a central point of the current debate.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is facing significant criticism following No. 1 Texas's defeat to unranked Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. The loss has intensified existing concerns regarding Sarkisian's dual role as both head coach and primary play-caller for the team.
Why this is trending in United States
The Texas Longhorns are a major program in college football, and their status as the No. 1 ranked team makes a loss to an unranked rival a high-profile event. Fans and analysts across the country are debating whether Sarkisian's refusal to hire a dedicated offensive coordinator is hindering the team's performance.
Performance concerns
According to FootballScoop, the criticism centers on the efficiency of the Texas offense. Despite being highly ranked, the team has struggled to convert drives into points. Through two SEC games, the offense has produced 13 three-and-outs and only five touchdowns. Analysts note that the team is currently three times as likely to return the ball after three plays as it is to score.
What is confirmed and what is not
It is confirmed that Texas lost to Oklahoma on October 10, 2026, and that the offense has struggled with three-and-outs in SEC play. Whether the university administration intends to pressure Sarkisian to hire an offensive coordinator or if his job security is actively threatened remains unconfirmed and speculative at this time.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Steve Sarkisian?
Steve Sarkisian is the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, who recently lost to an unranked Oklahoma team. This loss has led to widespread criticism of his decision to continue calling his own offensive plays.
Why are people calling for a new offensive coordinator?
Critics argue that Sarkisian's play-calling is inefficient, pointing to statistics showing the Texas offense has had 13 three-and-outs in just two SEC games. They suggest delegating these duties could improve the team's overall performance.
Is Steve Sarkisian going to be fired?
There is no confirmation that Steve Sarkisian is facing immediate termination. However, analysts suggest that if the offensive struggles continue, his long-term job security could eventually be at risk if he does not adjust his coaching structure.
What was the result of the Texas vs. Oklahoma game?
On October 10, 2026, unranked Oklahoma defeated the No. 1 ranked Texas Longhorns in the Red River Rivalry. The game ended in a last-second victory for Oklahoma.
How does Sarkisian compare to other coaches?
Unlike many top-tier coaches such as Kirby Smart or Lane Kiffin, Sarkisian continues to call his own plays. This unique approach is under scrutiny because critics believe it prevents him from managing the team as effectively as his peers.
What is the primary criticism of the Texas offense?
The primary criticism is the team's inability to sustain drives. Statistics indicate that the offense is currently three times as likely to go three-and-out as it is to score a touchdown, despite having a roster considered to be highly talented.
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