Calling it now - Steve Sarkisian's ability to identify and develop coaching talent is going to be the defining factor that keeps Texas in the CFP conversation long after he's gone. The Longhorns have quietly built one of the most impressive coordinator pipelines in the sport, and the numbers back it up. Since 2021, three of Sarkisian's assistant coaches have gone on to become head coaches at Power 4 programs. That's a higher rate of head coach placement than any other SEC program over the same span.
What separates Sark from the rest of the SEC coaching carousel is his willingness to hire guys who challenge him schematically rather than yes-men who just run his system. The 2025 Texas defense finished 14th nationally in EPA per play allowed despite losing multiple starters to the NFL, and that's a direct reflection of the staff he's assembled. Look at what happened at Alabama after Sark left - the Crimson Tide's offensive efficiency dropped from 3rd in 2020 to 22nd by 2022 without ...