The Texas Longhorns have been under intense scrutiny during the regular season, not least due to speculation regarding head coach Steve Sarkisian’s future with the program. Sarkisian intervened to quash rumors surrounding his tenure, which became particularly prominent after comments made by former Heisman Trophy winner and current ESPN analyst Desmond Howard. Following the Longhorns’ defeat to Georgia on November 15, Howard insinuated on social media that Sarkisian might leave the program for another job.
Howard’s comments didn’t directly name Sarkisian but hinted that Texas could be in the market for a new head coach, stirring concern among Longhorns’ supporters. “Don’t be surprised if that Texas job opens up at the end of the season,” Howard speculated. “You guys were shocked when LSU opened up. Imagine how you’re going to feel if that job in Austin pops open. I’m not calling or saying anyone’s going to get fired, maybe a mutual parting of ways.”
The situation took a twist when, shortly after Howard’s controversial remarks, news broke that Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore had been fired due to an investigation revealing an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer. This unexpected development led many Texas fans to respond to Howard’s previous comments with a wave of mockery.
Social media was awash with posts teasing Howard about his unfounded speculation regarding Sarkisian. One fan even tweeted, “Did Desmond Howard make a video taking out trash talking about Sherrone Moore looking for another job yet? Just curious is all.” Another chimed in, “Y’all were shocked when that Michigan job opened up. #HookEm,” highlighting the irony of Howard’s own program dealing with coaching changes.
Adding to the charm of this sports drama, Texas reporter CJ Vogel created a playful video that mimicked Howard’s trash-taking-out segment that gained viral attention, further fueling the back-and-forth. Sarkisian responded to the turmoil by referencing “taking out the trash” in his comments, implying that some analysts lacked a proper understanding of his program. “Maybe (it’s) for some of the pundits out there that don’t cover me and cover our program on a regular basis,” he quipped. “So that they understand they can’t just take their trash out and have a thought to think, ‘Hey, I think Texas is going to have a job opening.’ I don’t know. Think about something else when you are taking your trash.”
As Michigan begins its search for a new head coach, the situation remains fluid, and both the Longhorns and Wolverines will meet at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando to conclude their respective seasons on New Year’s Eve. This matchup adds another layer of intrigue as the football world continues to watch the dynamics between the coaches and their futures unfold.
