Report: Steve Sarkisian interested in NFL openings

Steve Sarkisian's representatives let the world know on Saturday that their client is interested in NFL openings to come open this winter, according to a report from The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

"I’m told that representatives for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian have let NFL decision makers know that he would be interested in potential head coaching openings, including the Titans," Russini tweeted.

If this is a leverage play, it's come at an interesting time. Sarkisian's Longhorns entered the year as the AP No. 1 team and currently sit at 6-2 and ranked No. 22 in the country. At 6-2, the Longhorns are likely eliminated from SEC and CFP contention, and the schedule offers four losable games ahead, starting Saturday afternoon at Mississippi State (4:15 p.m. ET, SEC Network). In November, Texas faces No. 10 Vanderbilt, No. 5 Georgia, and No. 3 Texas A&M. 

Sarkisian's offense, last seen scoring 13 points in regulation at Kentucky, has taken a massive step backward. The 'Horns are 80th in scoring, 76th in yards per play, and 64th in explosives -- a metric they led the country in last season.

Of course, over the prior two seasons Sarkisian brought Texas out of its decade-plus malaise, going 25-5 with a Big 12 title and an SEC Championship appearance. Texas was the only team to make the CFP semifinals in 2023 and '24.

Sarkisian signed an extension in January that pays him $10.3 million this year, with $100,000 annual raises through the deal's expiration in 2030. Former Titans coach Brian Callahan made a reported $3 million.

There are, obviously, reasons to covet an NFL opening -- for all college coaches in general and for Sarkisian specifically. Sarkisian spent 2004 as the Oakland Raiders quarterbacks coach and 2017-18 as the Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator. The NFL is the NFL, with an obvious appeal for those desiring to compete at the pinnacle of the sport. 

Sarkisian also has lifestyle considerations that may pull him upward. In April, Sarkisian and his wife Loreal announced the birth of a son. 

That's a lot to consider. In the meantime, Sarkisian's team has a pivotal game in Starkville, Miss., a couple hours from right now. 

Update: CAA has released a statement from Sark's agents.