Texas head football coach Steve Sarkisian has built one of the nation’s most consistent and competitive programs through a culture of reflection, honesty, and continuous improvement. Now in his fifth season with the Longhorns, Sarkisian revealed in a recent interview with Josh Pate that his Sunday ritual plays a pivotal role in shaping the mindset and direction of the entire Texas football program.
Steve Sarkisian’s Sunday Ritual: Self-Criticism and Honest Feedback Drive Texas’s Success
“I’m probably my toughest critic,” Sarkisian admitted. Each Sunday, win or lose, he engages in a routine of self-evaluation that holds him accountable for every decision made the previous game. Sarkisian scrutinizes every detail, from dissecting play calls to reassessing how well-prepared his players were. “We may throw a 40-yard touchdown, and I’ll still say, ‘That was a terrible call, they just blew the coverage,’” he shared.
This level of self-awareness isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about building a stronger team. Sarkisian emphasizes the importance of honest feedback within his staff, encouraging open dialogue and dissenting opinions. “If I surround myself with a bunch of yes-men, we’re not going to grow as a program,” he said. Instead, he has intentionally cultivated an environment where staff members can challenge him without fear of backlash.
That openness extends beyond the coaching staff. Sarkisian makes it a point to include everyone in the organization, from recruiting personnel to academic advisors, in team planning meetings. Before presenting major messages or goals to the players, he delivers them to the staff, asking for candid feedback.
“Anybody that’s touching our players should be speaking the same language,” Sarkisian explained. Consistency, he believes, is what helps teams thrive amid the chaotic nature of college football.
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Sarkisian’s process has delivered results. After a 5–7 season in 2021, Texas rebounded with an 8–5 finish in 2022, then made a College Football Playoff run in 2023 with a 12–2 record and Big 12 title. In their first season in the SEC in 2024, Sarkisian led Texas to a school-record-tying 13 wins and another top-5 national finish. The team also had 11 players drafted into the NFL and set a school record with 14 NFL Combine invites.
For Sarkisian, the ritual of self-critique isn’t about doubt; it’s about accountability, leadership, and staying adaptable in a rapidly evolving sport. “Adapt or die,” he declared. “We’ve got to be light on our feet. We’ve got to be able to move and adjust.”
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