Following another impressive regular season, Steve Sarkisian is getting national attention. On Wednesday, the Longhorns head coach was named a semifinalist for the George Munger College Coach of the Year Award, which is given annually to the top coach in college football.
With Sarkisian leading the way, the Longhorns have been one of the best teams in the SEC with an 11-2 record. Texas has back-to-back 11-plus win seasons for the first time since 2008-09. They are also one win shy of the fifth 12th-plus-win season in program history.
Coach Sark has been named a semifinalist for George Munger College Coach of the Year Award 🤘#HookEm | #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/H1FGxmRHdC
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 18, 2024
As the Longhorns have adjusted to a new conference, their offense has been hard to stop. Through 13 games, Texas ranks 13th in passing offense, 15th in team passing efficiency, and 16th in completion percentage. Regardless of who is under center, Sarkisian has put his team in the best position to be successful.
While the Longhorns offense has made headlines, the defense under Sarkisian has impressed. They lead the FBS in turnovers gained and passing yards allowed. Texas also ranks fifth nationally in first down defense, with veterans such as Jahdae Barron having career years.
For many in Austin, Sarkisian’s latest recognition comes as no surprise. He was also a finalist for the award last year and was named to the watch lists for the Dodd Trophy and Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year awards earlier this year.
The 2024 George Munger Award winner will be announced on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in less than a month.