College Football is a standalone microcosm of the sports realm. It’s got flash and money adjacent to pro leagues across the country and beyond. Yet, it’s uniquely not in the top echelon of its own game. The NFL is, across the board, a touch above. The gap has shrunk, though, at least in terms of money. CFB coaches of the highest ilk are raking in more green than most of their big-league counterparts. However, the tryst with plying your craft among the very best athletes football has to offer creates a conundrum. According to reports, Texas’ Steve Sarkisian 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. However, even the allure of locking horns, pun intended, with the best in class may not be enough to get him out of Austin.

Steve Sarkisian is the 4th highest paid HC in College Football, making $10.3 million annually. For context, only 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 outright won it. It’s a fair assumption that Sark will need to take a hefty pay cut to move up a rung in the football ladder. He’s got plenty of credit in the bank at this level but will have to prove his pedigree in the NFL. If Sarkisian does indeed want to make this perceived step up, he’ll have to take a step down on the financial front.

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 Year 4, with the contract in tandem with the realignment to the SEC. It remains to be seen how far Sarkisian and Texas traverse this year, in case there is indeed a divergence of paths.

Let’s suspend disbelief and consider that Steve Sarkisian will indeed move to the pros if given the chance. Which franchises will want him most? Given his offensive acumen and track record of developing quarterbacks, one name sticks out as a potential landing spot that could see reciprocated interest.

Steve Sarkisian matches what NFC franchise is seeking in their figurehead

The Chicago Bears’ peril this season is well-publicized. It didn’t help that they made 1/4th of the toughest division in the sport, the NFC North. However, they’ve really fallen short of expectations. Although they deployed rookie Caleb Williams under center, it was under unique circumstances. The no.1 overall pick typically goes to the “worst” team, hence expectations are sparse, if any. However, the Bears acquired Caleb from the Panthers’ no.1 pick. Hence, the supporting cast was already at a decent standard. A plethora of experts picked the Bears to make the playoffs.

The season didn’t quite pan out, and Matt Eberflus was let go from head coaching duties. The consensus wisdom is that Chicago are trying to pair their potential franchise QB with an offensive-minded coach. Detroit Lions’ OC Ben Johnson has been touted as the ideal candidate. However, in case that doesn’t transpire, Steve Sarkisian could be a great alternative. In fact, his much more vast experience of coaching in general, but especially young quarterbacks, perhaps makes him an even better option. The Bears have indeed been scoping the college scene for a head coach.

Texas are due to have a sensation under centre as well next year, with Arch Manning poised to take over reigns from Quinn Ewers. Texas will do its all to make sure they’re not losing Sarkisian. Individually, he’ll seek to keep the voices out and focus on the behemoth task at hand. Beat the hottest team in the country, Ohio State, and reach the Natty.