Steve Sarkisian facing growing criticism as Texas suffers Alamo Bowl loss
Steve Sarkisian has experienced varying levels of criticism during his tenure at Texas, and now there’s a fresh wave following the Longhorns’ 27-20 loss to Washington in the Alamo Bowl.
Texas, playing in its first bowl game under second-year coach, had trouble defending Washington QB Michael Penix, Jr. who threw for 287 yards and 2 touchdowns and No. 12 Washington held off No. 21 Texas 27-20 on Thursday night.
Texas scored 10 late points, pulling within 7 on Bert Auburn’s 26-yard field goal with 1:40 remaining, then failed on an onside kick try. The Longhorns dropped to 8-5 to finish the season.
Several fans noted Sarkisian’s overall coaching record, and pointed to their opinion that he’s simply not a good coach despite luring 5-star recruits and coaching alongside Nick Saban. Even CBS Sports highlighted Sarkisian has a 2-7 record against ranked opponents as the Texas coach.
Here’s a sample of the reaction:
In 2 years at Texas, Sarkisian has a 13-12 record. Once again, how does he get so many 5-star recruits? He can’t coach!
NIL money is cool but you can get that at much better programs with competent coaches. https://t.co/XMovDJPff3
— Scott Reichel (@ReichelRadio) December 30, 2022
Steve Sarkisian record before Texas: 46-37 (.554)
Steve Sarkisian record at Texas: 13-12 (.520)
What did they expect?
— James Leopold (@jamesleopold14) December 30, 2022
When will people realize that Steve Sarkisian is not a good head coach? A few good years in the Nick Saban clinic made him look a lot better than what he really is.
— Mikey Scarbrough (@scarbroughmikey) December 30, 2022
alright, alright, alright pic.twitter.com/eFZWpq3BYV
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 30, 2022
In 9 yrs as HC Steve Sarkisian is 59-46 (0 double digit win seasons) this includes stops at USC, Washington, and Texas.
His strongest finish in a year is a team that ranked 20th in the AP#LonghornNation
— Jake Noel (@JacoNoel1025) December 30, 2022
For all of Tom Herman’s off the field issues that caused him to be let go at Texas. He is a significantly better football coach than Steve Sarkisian.
— Timothy Bailey (@RealTimBailey) December 30, 2022
I support him, I believe in where we’re going, but it’s hard to ignore that Sarkisian is only 13-12 in his first two seasons at Texas.
I don’t math, but that’s average as hell.
Hook ‘em. ??
— Occupy LF (@OccupyLF) December 30, 2022
Tom Herman was paid 37.9 million for a record 32-18 at Texas meaning $1,184,000 per win.
Steve Sarkisian has been paid $10.4 million for a 13-12 record in his two years meaning $815,384 per win.
Tom Herman never had a losing season and never lost a bowl game
— CFB Home (@CFBHome) December 30, 2022
Terrible showing tonight Sarkisian and the horns. Ewers continued lack of hurry up. Worthy’s body language says it all that he’s done at Texas. I am very disappointed.
— Coach Hernandez (@Coach_Hern88) December 30, 2022
