Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, is gearing up for the team’s move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) this summer. The magnitude of this transition hit him as he arrived at media days in Dallas, where he emphasized the importance of respect in this new journey.
Sarkisian expressed his admiration for the SEC, acknowledging the elite status of the conference and the need for the Longhorns to earn the respect of their new opponents. He highlighted the competitive nature of the SEC, emphasizing that nothing will be handed to them, and they must work hard to prove themselves.
Having previously worked with legendary coach Nick Saban at Alabama, Sarkisian credited Saban for his mentorship and impact on his career. He expressed gratitude towards Saban and acknowledged the significant role he played in shaping his coaching philosophy.
In response to Saban’s comment that Texas “is not gonna run the SEC,” Sarkisian took it in jest and hinted at having a conversation with him about it. Despite the friendly banter, Sarkisian is focused on preparing Texas for their debut in the SEC following a successful season that saw them make the College Football Playoff for the first time.
With star quarterback Quinn Ewers returning and the highly anticipated arrival of Arch Manning, the Longhorns are optimistic about their future in the SEC. Sarkisian highlighted the program’s history of producing talented quarterbacks and expressed confidence in Manning’s potential to excel in the competitive college football landscape.
Overall, Sarkisian’s emphasis on respect, hard work, and gratitude sets the tone for Texas as they embark on this new chapter in the SEC. The Longhorns are eager to prove themselves in the conference and make their mark among the elite teams in college football.