CFB is a standalone microcosm of the sports realm. It’s got flash and money adjacent to the pro leagues. Yet, it’s uniquely not in the top echelon of its own sport. The NFL is, by all accords, a touch above. The gap has shrunk though, at least in terms of finances. College coaches of the highest ilk, such as Texas Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian, are raking in more green than most of their big-league counterparts. However, here’s the rub—trying to coach the absolute best in football often creates a conundrum. As per speculation, Sark is soon going to stand on the precipice of this conundrum.

According to Adam Schefter, coach Sarkisian will imminently receive offers to take the helm at NFL franchises. A fair few have a void at HC or are due to have one very soon. Sark, who’s previously been a QBs coach and OC at the Raiders and Falcons, respectively, does present as an enticing proposition. One franchise in particular has been at the forefront of the discourse. Ironically, Sarkisian is imminently going to be at their stadium. Not for an interview, at least not yet. But to partake in the Cotton Bowl.

Jerry Jones knew he would likely be on the lookout for a new HC come the end of the season. After all, he kept Mike McCarthy on the leash of a one-year deal. What transpired, though, is something no Dallas Cowboys fan could have foreseen. A season of unequivocal failure for the $10.1 billion franchise.

This is owing to some poor roster planning, a touch of misfortune with injuries, and Jerry’s World going from a fortress to the worst home-field advantage in the NFL. Speaking of which, Jerry is poised to be in attendance at his “World” as Texas takes on Ohio State in AT&T Stadium. ESPN’s senior College Football analyst Paul Finebaum hinted at this and more.

Who thought that Jerry Jones’ widespread search would wind up a stone’s throw away in Austin with Steve Sarkisian? On The Matt Barrie Show, Paul Finebaum was asked to shed light on Sark and the Cowboys. “I can’t tell you I know, because [Sarkisian] doesn’t know.” With the Longhorns’ season still ongoing, Jerry doesn’t need to rush into action and can weigh his options. “Jerry Jones, I’m sure he’ll be in the house tonight,” he proceeded. “In being an Arkansas man, [Jerry will] love nothing more than to screw Texas over!” remarked Finebaum. He also leveraged his stance on how he thinks this pursuit of Steve Sarkisian will transpire.

“My guess is Sark will come back, and I think I’m not saying he’s only coming back for Arch Manning. I mean, that’s the conclusion some would have…turning the Cowboys down is [a] fairly [big deal].” Paul Finebaum discerned. The Arch Manning factor in all of this is its whole separate can of worms. For now, the Longhorns faithful will perhaps take a collective sigh of relief. Especially with this speculation cropping up right before a CFP semifinal final.

As aforementioned, College coaches of this ilk aren’t necessarily going to jump ship the moment an NFL opportunity arises. “[Sarkisian is] not going to some random NFL job because he doesn’t need to,” said Finebaum. Even the allure of the White Star may not be enough to get Sark. The reasons are multi-faceted, but a couple of things stand out.

Why Steve Sarkisian may thwart Jerry Jones’ potential approach

Let’s suspend disbelief and consider that Steve Sarkisian will indeed be ready to leave the Longhorns and move to the NFL if the chance arrives. Sark signed a contract extension less than a year ago, off the back of a 2023 season that culminated in a CFP berth when they still only had 4 teams. Expectations were high at the outset of 2024, with the contract in tandem with Texas’ realignment to the SEC. He is now in the Cotton Bowl, one step away from the National Championship. While there is still no divergence of Texas’ path away from Natty contention, Sark has the most secure job in the land. 

Compare that to the Cowboys, who, courtesy of their owner/GM, hold expectations that are beyond rationale. Sarkisian has plenty of credit in the bank at this level but will have to prove his pedigree in the NFL. If the ‘NFL call’ is still loud enough for Sarkisian to gloss over this, there’s another hindrance. In order to make this perceived step up, he’ll have to take a step down on the financial front.

Steve Sarkisian is the 4th highest paid coach in CFB, making $10.3 million annually. For context, merely 7 out of 32 NFL coaches make more. All 7 of these coaches have either been to multiple Super Bowls, i.e., Kyle Shanahan, or won the Lombardi outright. Sark will need to take a hefty pay cut to move up an echelon.

Jerry Jones is no stranger to throwing money rather erratically though, as epitomized by Dak Prescott’s contract. With the Cowboys involved, always expect eccentricity and flash to perhaps take precedence over realism. This story is going to simmer along for a little while.