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Nick Saban Replaces Steve Sarkisian, and 4 More Texas Options if Sark-NFL Rumors Come True
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- Nick Saban Replaces Steve Sarkisian, and 4 More Texas Options if Sark-NFL Rumors Come True
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The idea of Steve Sarkisian leaving Texas seemed ridiculous a few weeks ago. However, this weekend, that surprisingly became a real possibility in the next few months. According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini , "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."
With Sarkisian having a massive $60 million buyout, it seems unlikely he is going anywhere. However, if he did get help to leave the Longhorns, let's take a look at five potential replacement options for one of the most prestigious jobs in college football.
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Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri
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Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz was on the hot seat a few years ago. However, it was just evidence that he needed some time to fully turn the Tigers program around. However, after a rough start in his first two seasons, Missouri has been a very competitive team in a stacked SEC. He is only 42 years old and is a high-potential coach who can lead the Longhorns football program for the next two decades.
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Eli Drinkwitz record: 56-27
Rhett Lashlee, SMU
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SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee is a coach who is bound to land with a major program sooner or later. The 42-year-old led the Mustangs to back-to-back double-digit win seasons for the first time in over 50 years and has turned them into a notable brand again in college football. However, with the might and backing of Texas, Lashlee has the potential to be a coach who brings the Longhorns multiple titles in the next two decades. If Sarkisian left, Lashlee would be high on Texas' wishlist.
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Rhett Lashlee record: 34-15
Nick Saban, Retired
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Is college football coaching icon Nick Saban too old for the Longhorns' job? Maybe. But he is the great CFB coach of all time. After rumors swirled earlier this year that he wants to get back into the sport, Texas is one of the few jobs on Earth that could bring him back. Saban would be a short-term fix, but he is no normal 73-year-old, and if the Longhorns win a couple of titles during a five-year tenure, he would be an extremely successful replacement for Steve Sarkisian.
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Nick Saban record: 297-71-1
James Franklin, Available
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Yes, James Franklin has an issue with getting wins in big games. But sorry Penn State fans, Texas is a bigger program with the might to get Franklin the talent he needs to start winning all or most of those big games. Despite his flaws, Franklin is the best candidate on the market, and five 11 or more win seasons can't be overlooked. That is a lot more than Sarkisian has had at Texas.
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James Franklin record: 128-60
Matt Patricia, Ohio State
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If Texas wants to look for a more outside-the-box option to replace Steve Sarkisian, it could look at Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. He has been outstanding in his first season as defensive coordinator of the Buckeyes. While he was disappointed as an NFL head coach — so did Saban — he still learned under Bill Belichick and is now a Ryan Day disciple. If Patricia keeps performing like this, he is bound to get offers to be a head coach in college football. Maybe Texas should be the first to make that offer.
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Matt Patricia record:0-0
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