Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian rejected speculation about his future on Wednesday, saying persistent reports that he is eyeing an exit are “absolutely false and untrue.”
Sarkisian said he typically avoids commenting on rumors but felt compelled to address the latest round because of their potential impact on players, recruits and the university.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said via ESPN. “I’ve had no discussions — not with my agent, not with the university, not with any other school, not with any NFL team — about ever going anywhere else.”
The pushback comes days after ESPN analyst Desmond Howard posted a video suggesting the Texas job could soon open, calling a late-season split “a mutual parting of ways.” Athletic director Chris Del Conte quickly dismissed the idea, writing, “This is news to me.”
Sarkisian’s representatives also previously denied a report from The Athletic claiming the coach had expressed interest in potential NFL vacancies.
Texas opened the season ranked No. 1 but has slipped to No. 17 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings after its third loss. The 35-10 defeat at the hands of Georgia might take them out of consideration.
Sarkisian has deep ties to Texas and likely wouldn’t uproot at this point. However, for the right position, either in college or the NFL, there would be a hard decision to make.
“If you have a question about my future,” he said, “call me or call Chris Del Conte.”
Texas ends the season with Arkansas and No. 3 Texas A&M.
