Sarkisian questions CFB’s shifting expectations

**Sarkisian Challenges College Football’s Midseason Firing Frenzy, Citing Shifting Expectations**

Austin, TX – Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian recently posed a pointed question to the landscape of college football, challenging the increasingly common practice of midseason coaching changes. Speaking during a press availability around November 14, 2023, Sarkisian wondered aloud, “What’s changed from the expectation level you had in the summertime to the expectation level you have today that you feel the need to move on from a head coach?”

Sarkisian’s comments came in the wake of a flurry of high-profile firings that rattled the sport in early November. While not specifically judging individual decisions, his query highlighted a perceived disconnect between preseason goals and the sudden, often costly, decisions made as the regular season draws to a close.

The most financially impactful move saw Texas A&M part ways with head coach Jimbo Fisher on November 12, 2023. Fisher’s departure reportedly triggered a massive buyout exceeding $77 million, a stark figure underscoring the immense financial stakes in major college athletics. Just a day later, Mississippi State also announced a change, firing first-year head coach Zach Arnett on November 13. Later in the month, Syracuse followed suit, dismissing Dino Babers on November 19 after seven seasons.

Sarkisian’s core argument centers on the importance of consistent, realistic expectations. He suggested that if a program establishes specific targets for a coaching staff in July or August, those benchmarks shouldn’t drastically alter by mid-November to warrant immediate termination. He implicitly advocates for patience and a longer-term view, citing his own experience at Texas. His initial season in 2021 concluded with a 5-7 record, but by the time of his remarks in 2023, the Longhorns had significantly improved, boasting a 9-1 record and contending for a conference championship.

However, the motivations behind midseason firings are multifaceted and often driven by factors beyond simple win-loss records. A primary catalyst is the evolving college football calendar, particularly the Early Signing Period in December and the increasingly active transfer portal. Firing a coach early allows a program to install an interim leader or, more strategically, to begin the search for a permanent successor who can immediately engage with recruits before key signing deadlines and manage potential roster turnover via the portal.

Furthermore, donor expectations and fan pressure play an undeniable role. With massive investments in facilities, coaching salaries, and recruiting budgets, many programs face immense pressure for immediate results. The desire to “reset” the season’s trajectory, spark a morale boost, or simply show accountability to a passionate fanbase can also lead to swift changes. Only financially robust institutions, however, can afford the substantial buyouts associated with moving on from coaches midway through their contracts.

The trend of midseason dismissals has grown in recent years, transforming the college football coaching carousel into an almost year-round spectacle. While providing an opportunity for schools to gain a head start in their coaching searches, it also raises questions, as Sarkisian noted, about the initial vetting processes and the long-term commitment programs are willing to make. His challenge serves as a potent reminder of the high-stakes environment in college football and the ongoing debate between the pursuit of immediate gratification and the cultivation of sustainable success through patience and consistent vision.