Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns got away with a 16-13 victory over Kentucky by the skin of their teeth on Saturday, with the Wildcats taking them to overtime in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter. Arch Manning once again looked poor, with only 132 yards and a 44.4% completion percentage.
NEW: Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian on why he won’t give up play-calling duties:
“That’s why I got hired. I was a really good offensive coordinator… . I’m always going to tap into the strengths that I have and I think being a play-caller on offense is one of my strengths.… pic.twitter.com/2w8x6VtrIi
— On3 (@On3sports) October 20, 2025
Given these paltry performances, some have begun to wonder if Sarkisian should give up playcalling duties. Yet the coach has made it plenty clear that he won’t, as he believes he’s the best man for the job.
Fans were quick to react to the news that Sarkisian will remain at the head of the Longhorns’ playcalling duties. For many fans, the coach isn’t the problem.
“It’s not his fault Arch sucks,” wrote one fan.
“He doesn’t trust his Oline and probably shouldn’t. But Arch has to be much better for sure,” said someone else.
Some disagreed with Steve Sarkisian’s decision.
“I don’t think he as a head coach can dedicate enough of his 24 hours to solely focus on the offense yet Texas has the funding and ability to hire an elite OC that calls plays. That doesn’t mean he’s completely hands off with the offense but this is clearly not working. Either a swing and a miss on Manning or he needs to give up play calling,” explained someone.
Could getting rid of Arch Manning be the solution?
“Sark hitting portal for a QB would really spice things up,” claimed someone.
However, some do think that Sarkisian is the issue.
“There is nothing in Sarks last couple of years that supports that he is a good OC. He was 29th last year and 80th this year,” said another fan.
“Always what happens a few months before a coach gets fired,” claimed one fan.
Steve Sarkisian On Why He Won’t Give Up Playcalling Duties At Texas
When asked in his latest press conference if he would look for a new offensive coordinator or if he would retain playcalling duties, Steve Sarkisian said:
“No, because that’s why I got hired. I was a really good offensive coordinator.”
Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian was asked if he would ever consider giving up play-calling duties 👀
“No, because that’s why I got hired. I was a really good offensive coordinator.” pic.twitter.com/TxM5owDJuI
— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) October 20, 2025
“That’s why I got hired. I was a really good offensive coordinator… I’m always going to tap into the strengths that I have and I think being a play-caller on offense is one of my strengths. Some may disagree. That’s okay.”
However, the truth is that the Kentucky Wildcats totally outplayed the Texas Longhorns in offense. They produced 179 yards, to the Wildcats’ 395 yards. Kentucky’s passing output was 258 yards to Texas’ 132 yards. The difference in the running game was equally bad, with Texas producing 47 rushing yards to Kentucky’s 137.
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