ACCORDING TO EPSN Report stave sarkisian the Texas longhorns head coach as been name as the best NCAAF Coach of the year ……….

Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Texas Longhorns, has been named the 2025 NCAA Football Coach of the Year, according to an ESPN report. This prestigious honor comes after a season in which Sarkisian not only revitalized the Longhorns football program but also led the team to new heights. The recognition is a testament to his leadership, strategic acumen, and ability to build a winning culture at a historic university.

Sarkisian’s journey to Coach of the Year has been one of transformation. When he took over the Longhorns in 2021, the program was in the midst of a rebuilding phase, having faced several underwhelming seasons. However, Sarkisian’s coaching philosophy and a sharp focus on player development, combined with his recruiting prowess, began to bear fruit sooner than many expected. Now, two years into his tenure, Texas has not only returned to national prominence but has solidified its place among the elite programs in college football.

Turning the Texas Program Around

When Sarkisian was hired in 2021, expectations were high but realistic. Texas was coming off an up-and-down era under former head coach Tom Herman. The Longhorns had shown flashes of brilliance but were often plagued by inconsistency and an inability to close out big games. Sarkisian, who had previously been successful as the offensive coordinator at Alabama and Washington, was seen as the ideal candidate to revamp the Texas offense and return the program to its winning ways.

His first season at the helm (2021) featured a mixed bag of results. Texas showed potential but struggled to establish a consistent identity. While the Longhorns managed some thrilling victories, they also suffered disappointing losses, including a blowout defeat to Arkansas that revealed significant issues with depth, discipline, and execution.

Despite the setbacks, Sarkisian remained focused on his long-term vision. His recruiting efforts, which emphasized both talent and character, began to pay off in 2022 as he brought in several highly rated recruits, including quarterback Arch Manning. Sarkisian’s commitment to creating a well-rounded team with a potent offense and a revamped defense became a point of emphasis during the 2023 recruiting cycle. This strategy paid immediate dividends.

By the 2024 season, Texas looked like a completely different team. The offense, led by the skilled quarterback Quinn Ewers, showed newfound explosiveness, while the defense, coordinated by Pete Kwiatkowski, became one of the most formidable units in the nation. Texas’s offensive line, a historically weak area, was significantly improved under Sarkisian’s leadership and the development of position coaches. These strides allowed Texas to dominate opponents on both sides of the ball and establish themselves as a top-tier contender.

The 2024 Season: A Landmark Year for Texas

Sarkisian’s crowning achievement came during the 2024 college football season. The Longhorns finished with a 12-1 record, securing the Big 12 Championship and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) for the first time since 2009. The Longhorns’ lone loss came to a tough opponent, but they were able to bounce back and string together a series of dominant performances that propelled them to the top of the standings.

Sarkisian’s team displayed a balanced offensive attack, combining an explosive passing game with a solid rushing attack. Quinn Ewers, who had been inconsistent at times in his first two seasons, broke out in 2024, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns. His improved decision-making and comfort in Sarkisian’s system were key to the Longhorns’ success. Running back Bijan Robinson, though he left for the NFL, was replaced by a cadre of talented backs who complemented the passing game effectively. The Texas offense averaged nearly 500 yards per game, making it one of the most potent units in the country.

However, it was not just the offense that thrived under Sarkisian’s tutelage. The Texas defense, which had often been a liability in previous seasons, was transformed into one of the best in the nation. The defensive line, led by future NFL draft picks, dominated at the line of scrimmage, while the secondary, which had struggled in the past, became a playmaking force. The defense finished in the top 10 nationally in total yards allowed and turnovers created, a sign of the disciplined approach Sarkisian instilled in his players.

Leadership and Influence

While the on-field success was undeniable, Sarkisian’s leadership and ability to instill confidence in his players were perhaps his greatest assets. Texas, a program with immense tradition and high expectations, had faced its fair share of struggles over the past decade. Sarkisian’s calm demeanor, coupled with his strategic knowledge, allowed him to focus on developing the talent at his disposal rather than getting bogged down by the weight of past failures.

The bond Sarkisian developed with his players was clear throughout the season. His ability to keep the locker room united through adversity, and his focus on building relationships with his players off the field, set him apart from other coaches in the country. His transparency, trust in his staff, and clear communication were key factors in the Longhorns’ turnaround.

In an era where coaching turnover is frequent, and many programs face challenges with player retention and locker room culture, Sarkisian’s stability has been a breath of fresh air for Texas fans. He brought back the pride that Longhorns supporters had been craving, and his focus on developing both the physical and mental aspects of his players has translated into success.

A Bright Future Ahead

With Sarkisian leading the way, the future looks incredibly bright for the Texas Longhorns. His successful recruitment of elite talent, combined with the foundation he has built on both sides of the ball, positions Texas to contend for national titles in the years to come. The program’s sustained success in the Big 12, and their subsequent move to the SEC, will only increase the competition but will also present new opportunities for Sarkisian and his staff to prove themselves on an even bigger stage.

As for Sarkisian, the recognition as Coach of the Year serves as validation for his hard work and commitment to the program. It is also a significant achievement in his own coaching career. From his earlier days as a head coach at Washington and USC to his time as an offensive coordinator at Alabama, Sarkisian has learned from his experiences, both good and bad. Now, in Austin, Texas, he has found a place where his vision and leadership are flourishing.

For the Texas Longhorns, the Steve Sarkisian era has officially begun, and after his incredible 2024 campaign, the program is primed for sustained greatness. Sarkisian’s Coach of the Year award is just the beginning of what could be a golden era in Texas football.