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17h ago

Sarkisian Refuses to Give Up Texas Play-Calling After OT Win, Owning Offensive Woes

He cites his offensive expertise as his rationale to keep the job, describing a shift to a more conservative, complementary style.

Arch Manning is in no danger of being benched even though he has middling numbers in his first season as Texas' starter.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has no plays to relinquish play-calling duties despite the Longhorn offense’s recent struggles.
DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 11: Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns looks on prior to the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cotton Bowl Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Oct 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian claps during warmups before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Asked if he would hand off play-calling, Steve Sarkisian said no, arguing that is why he was hired and calling it one of his strengths.
  • Sarkisian accepted responsibility for Texas’ struggles, saying the offense is on him and acknowledging a poor overtime call against Kentucky.
  • He detailed that first OT snap as a mistake, noting he should have dialed up a direct run instead of a slower-developing play that preceded a holding flag on RT Brandon Baker.
  • Texas’ offense continues to lag statistically, including 179 total yards against Kentucky (its worst output in a decade), roughly 80th in scoring, and 58th in ESPN’s SP+.
  • Sarkisian said the staff pivoted about three weeks ago to a ball-control approach to complement elite defense and special teams, with Mississippi State up next on Saturday.