Big 12 football: 3 most overrated head coaches ahead of 2023 season

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Dec 29, 2022; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian reacts during the 2022 Alamo Bowl against the Washington Huskies at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Steve Sarkisian, Texas

I hate to knock Steve Sarkisian for his 13-12 record over his first two seasons with Texas because the Longhorns have been fighting to be “back” for what feels like decades, but he’s getting a lot of love for his ability to recruit (he’s really good at it) and the fact that he improved from his first year to his second.

In his first year with Texas, almost every fan was skeptical of his long-term fit as he finished just 5-7 and missed a bowl game. That’s unacceptable in Austin and won’t keep you around.

However, the following season (2022), he was 8-5 and the Longhorns finished the year ranked No. 25 in the country. Not too shabby. But is that enough to consider him one of the best coaches in the Big 12? Some actually believe so, but I’m not sold (obviously).

What will it take for me to say that he’s not overrated this season? I’d have to go with a 10-plus win season and a legitimate push for a playoff spot.

Texas has the talent to be one of the best teams in the country, but we’ll see if Sarkisian can make it happen.

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