Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian Named George Munger Award Finalist
The Maxwell Football Club announced on Tuesday that Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has been selected as a finalist for the George Munger College Coach of the Year Award. This marks the second consecutive season that Sarkisian has been recognized as a finalist for this prestigious award.
Under Sarkisian’s leadership, the Texas Longhorns have achieved remarkable success, boasting a 12-2 record, an SEC Championship Game appearance, and a College Football Playoff First Round victory. This season marks the second consecutive year that Texas has appeared in the College Football Playoff.
The Longhorns’ impressive performance is highlighted by several notable achievements. They have secured back-to-back 12-plus win seasons for the first time since 2008-09, with this season being the program’s fifth 12-plus win season overall. Additionally, Texas has maintained an 11-game true road game winning streak, the longest active streak by an FBS team.
Sarkisian’s guidance has also led to significant improvements in Texas’ offense, which ranks among the top 25 in the FBS in several categories, including first down offense, completion percentage, total offense, team passing efficiency, and scoring offense. The Longhorns’ offense has demonstrated impressive consistency, rushing for over 100 yards in 12 of their 14 games.
The team’s outstanding performance has been fueled by the exceptional talent of its players. Junior left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. made history by becoming the first Longhorn to win both the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award in the same season. Junior quarterback Quinn Ewers has also delivered impressive performances, boasting a 25-game passing touchdown streak, the longest active streak by an FBS quarterback.
The Longhorns’ defense has been equally impressive, leading the FBS in turnovers gained and passes intercepted. They rank second in scoring defense, team passing efficiency defense, and passing yards allowed, while also placing among the top 10 in total defense, third-down conversion percentage defense, red zone defense, and rushing defense.
Senior defensive back Jahdae Barron has been instrumental in the team’s defensive success, earning consensus first-team All-America recognition and becoming the program’s third Jim Thorpe Award winner. Barron’s impressive stats include five interceptions, 11 pass break-ups, and 50 total tackles.
Sarkisian’s recognition as a finalist for the George Munger Award is a testament to his exceptional leadership and coaching abilities. As the Longhorns continue to excel under his guidance, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate their future performances.
