BREAKING: Former Longhorns Legend Colt McCoy speaks out against Texes Coach Steve Sarkisian “ This is disrespectful…
development, former University of Texas quarterback and Longhorns icon, Colt McCoy, has publicly criticized current head coach Steve Sarkisian, calling recent comments made by the coach “disrespectful” to both the legacy of the program and to the players who have poured their hearts into Texas football.
McCoy, who led the Longhorns to multiple victories and a national championship appearance in 2009, voiced his displeasure during a recent interview with local media, taking issue with remarks Sarkisian made about the state of the Texas football program following a tough loss to a rival school. Sarkisian, who took over as head coach in 2021, had stated that the program was still in a “rebuilding” phase, and that some players weren’t living up to the expectations of the Texas football brand.
“I get that we’ve had some tough seasons, but this is a program with a rich history and tradition. You can’t just talk down about it like that,” McCoy said, visibly frustrated. “When you come into a program like Texas, you’re inheriting more than just a team—you’re inheriting a legacy. To say that players aren’t meeting expectations of the ‘Texas standard’ is one thing, but to say it like that? It’s disrespectful to the athletes who have given everything for this program, and it’s disrespectful to the fans who have supported it for decades.”
The comments by Sarkisian have caused a stir among Longhorns fans, alumni, and former players, many of whom feel that the Texas program should not be defined by “rebuilding” rhetoric. McCoy, who played under legendary coach Mack Brown, is known for his strong connection to the university and the program’s history. His remarks are seen as a strong defense of Texas football’s storied past and the current players, many of whom are still navigating the challenges of building a championship-caliber team under a new head coach.
“The players at Texas deserve better than that,” McCoy continued. “They’re working hard, putting in the hours on and off the field, just like we did. But instead of focusing on the negative, we need to be building them up, showing them the way forward. Coach Brown always talked about holding ourselves to a high standard, but it was never about tearing people down—it was about uplifting each other and working to get better every day.”
Sarkisian’s tenure as Texas head coach has been marked by highs and lows, including a highly anticipated arrival that was followed by a series of disappointing seasons. Despite recruiting success and a promise to restore the program’s elite status, the team has struggled to find consistent success on the field. Some insiders say that the pressure to immediately turn around such a historically successful program has led to tense moments between coaches and players.
In his comments, McCoy made it clear that he supports the current players and coaching staff, but he believes the tone set by Sarkisian’s remarks could have been more constructive. “There’s a better way to approach this,” McCoy said. “Instead of putting the blame on the players or talking about how far we have to go, let’s focus on what’s been working, what’s in front of us, and how we can all grow together. We’ve been through the ups and downs before—Texas football has always been about resilience, and that’s what these kids need to hear.”
McCoy’s remarks have quickly gained traction within the Texas football community, with several former players backing his stance. Longhorns alumni such as former wide receiver Jordan Shipley and defensive end Brian Orakpo have publicly expressed support for McCoy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sense of unity within the program.
“I agree with Colt,” Orakpo tweeted. “We all had tough times, but the coaches and the program always made sure to lift us up. There’s a way to push guys without putting them down. Texas football is bigger than just one person or one season, and we need to remember that.”
Shipley echoed similar sentiments, writing, “Colt is right. We have to honor the legacy and be respectful to the players who are putting everything on the line. Let’s be supportive and help each other build this program back up.”
The growing backlash comes at a time when Sarkisian and his coaching staff are under increasing scrutiny, especially after several high-profile losses to rivals like Oklahoma and Texas A&M. While many agree that Sarkisian has made strides in rebuilding the roster and improving recruitment, questions about his leadership and ability to get the most out of his players have persisted.
**Sarkisian Responds**
In a response to McCoy’s comments, Sarkisian did not address McCoy directly but did speak to the media about the need for a strong, unified approach to rebuilding the program.
“I understand that emotions run high when you’re a part of a program like Texas, and I respect the opinions of former players like Colt,” Sarkisian said in a statement. “Our goal here is to restore this program to the level of success that all Longhorns fans expect. It’s a process, and I know that there will be bumps along the way. But my job as a coach is to be honest with the team and the fanbase about where we are and where we need to go. We are all in this together, and I am committed to helping this team reach its potential.”
Despite Sarkisian’s attempts to clarify his stance, McCoy’s comments have ignited a broader conversation about leadership, accountability, and the culture within the Texas football program. As the season progresses and tensions rise, it will be interesting to see how this public exchange between McCoy and Sarkisian impacts the
Many fans are now questioning the direction of the program and whether Sarkisian is the right leader to bring Texas back to its championship-winning ways. McCoy, however, remains hopeful for the future, though he stresses the importance of maintaining respect for the tradition of the program and its players.
“Texas football is always going to be bigger than any one coach, any one player,” McCoy concluded. “We’ve had ups and downs, but we’ve always kept the pride of the Longhorns alive. I just want to see this program get back to where it belongs, and that starts with all of us coming together—coaches, players, and alumni alike. We owe it to the history of Texas football and to the fans who’ve supported us for so long.”
As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: the Texas Longhorns football program is at a crossroads, and the decisions made in the coming months will have lasting ramifications on the team’s future. Whether Sarkisian can navigate these challenges and unite the fanbase and players remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
