As the Texas Longhorns continue to adjust to life under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the coach is focused on reinvigorating an offense that has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled to maintain consistency. Sarkisian, now in his third year as head coach, understands the immense pressure of returning the Longhorns to their previous national prominence, and he knows that the key to success lies in revamping the team’s offensive identity.
Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas has been marked by ups and downs, but one thing has become clear: he’s committed to rebuilding an offense capable of competing at the highest level. After finishing the 2023 season with a strong 9-4 record, the Longhorns saw improvements, especially in their passing game, but there were also moments where their offensive production stalled. Sarkisian is now turning his attention to making the necessary adjustments to ensure the Longhorns are firing on all cylinders as they enter the 2024 season.
A New Year, A New Opportunity
Heading into 2024, Sarkisian’s primary goal is to take Texas’ offense to the next level. The Longhorns’ offense has been a work in progress since he took over in 2021. While Sarkisian has proven himself as an offensive mastermind—having previously served as offensive coordinator at Alabama and Washington—his tenure at Texas has been a mixture of promise and frustration.
In 2023, Texas showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in their high-powered win over Oklahoma, where quarterback Quinn Ewers and running back Bijan Robinson led an explosive offense. However, the offense also faltered in critical games, including a disappointing loss to Kansas State. These inconsistencies have left Sarkisian with a clear blueprint for improvement: better execution, more creative playcalling, and making sure the team has a clear identity.
In a recent interview, Sarkisian expressed his eagerness for the upcoming season, emphasizing how important it is for his offense to maintain balance and adaptability. “We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the experience, but now it’s time to take it to the next level,” Sarkisian said. “It’s about being efficient and aggressive, making sure that every position on the field is set up to succeed. We’re going to open things up and create more opportunities for our players to shine.”
Building Around Quinn Ewers
A major piece of the Longhorns’ offensive puzzle is quarterback Quinn Ewers, who enters 2024 with a year of starting experience under his belt. Ewers’ performance last season was a mix of brilliance and inexperience, with moments of spectacular throws followed by stretches of inconsistency. Despite the ups and downs, Sarkisian remains confident in Ewers’ ability to lead the offense and is focused on getting the best out of his quarterback.
“Quinn has all the tools,” Sarkisian said. “He’s got the arm strength, the poise, and the leadership skills you look for in a quarterback. It’s about refining his decision-making, getting him to be more consistent, and making sure he’s playing with confidence. We’re going to put him in positions where he can make plays, and that’s how we’ll build the offense around him.”
Ewers will have a strong supporting cast to work with in 2024, including an explosive receiving corps headlined by Xavier Worthy and a deep group of running backs, even after the departure of Bijan Robinson to the NFL. The Texas offensive line also returns several key players, which will help provide Ewers with the protection he needs to execute Sarkisian’s complex passing attack.
A Versatile Offensive Scheme
Sarkisian is known for his versatility as a play-caller, and in 2024, he plans to continue evolving his offensive scheme to exploit the strengths of his players. A hallmark of his offense is its ability to attack defenses in a variety of ways, whether through the air or on the ground. However, to make the offense truly elite, Sarkisian knows it must become more dynamic.
One of the key areas of focus for Sarkisian is improving the team’s run game. Despite having a top-tier running back in Robinson last season, the Longhorns’ running game was occasionally one-dimensional, particularly when Robinson was shut down by opposing defenses. With Robinson now in the NFL, the Texas staff will need to develop new playmakers in the backfield, including promising sophomore Jonathon Brooks and freshman Cedric Baxter Jr.
“We want to be able to run the ball effectively and set up the passing game,” Sarkisian explained. “We’re not going to rely on one guy; we want to have a stable of running backs who can all contribute. The more balanced we are, the more dangerous we’ll be on offense.”
Sarkisian’s offense will also focus on utilizing a variety of personnel groupings and motion to create mismatches. Whether it’s using tight ends to stretch the field or sending receivers in motion to confuse defensive alignments, the goal is to keep opposing defenses on their toes.
Emphasis on Depth and Competition
In 2024, Texas has an influx of young talent, and Sarkisian is eager to see how these new players will fit into his system. The addition of several top-ranked recruits, including wide receiver Jaden Greathouse and running back Cedric Baxter Jr., gives the Longhorns the kind of depth they need to remain competitive throughout the season.
“We’re excited about the young guys coming in, but the most important thing is creating an environment where there’s constant competition,” Sarkisian said. “Everyone has to earn their spot. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, it’s about what you do on the field that matters.”
This competition for playing time, especially in skill positions like wide receiver and running back, will drive improvement across the board. In practice, players will push each other to perform at their best, which, in turn, will elevate the overall performance of the offense.
Setting the Stage for Long-Term Success
While Sarkisian’s immediate goal is to reignite the offense and lead Texas to a Big 12 title, he’s also thinking long-term. Texas will be transitioning to the Southeastern Conference in the coming years, and Sarkisian knows that the offense must continue to evolve to keep up with the powerhouses of the SEC.
“It’s a new challenge, but it’s one we’re ready for,” Sarkisian said. “We know that to compete at that level, we have to be explosive, dynamic, and efficient on offense. We’re building that now, and we’re excited for what the future holds.”
As the 2024 season approaches, Coach Steve Sarkisian’s desire to reignite the Longhorns’ offense is evident in every aspect of his program. With a talented group of players, a refined offensive strategy, and a relentless commitment to improvement, Texas is poised to make a serious run at both conference and national titles. For Sarkisian, the time to take Texas to the next level is now.
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