Steve Sarkisian An Alabama Candidate? ESPN Insider Reveals Why Not

It was inevitable that Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian would be mentioned as a possible replacement for Nick Saban. But ESPN insider Pete Thamel revealed why that won't happen.

Legendary Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban retired on Wednesday after 17 seasons, 11 SEC championships and six national titles with the program.

Now, the question of who will be his replacement is the biggest story in college football. 

And thanks to the tremendous job he has done over the last three seasons with the Texas Longhorns, it was only a matter of time until Steve Sarkisian had his named mentioned as a candidate. 

Fortunately for the Longhorns, ESPN insider Pete Thamel, who released a list of candidates he believes the Tide will pursue, does not believe Sark has any intentions of leaving the 40 Acres. 

© Ricardo B. Brazziell, Austin American-Statesman

"I just don’t think Steve Sarkisian would leave Texas, so that’s why I did not put him on the list," Thamel said.

Considering the spot that Sarkisian is currently in with Texas, we firmly agree with Thamel here.

Setting aside the fact that Sarkisian has been well-documented in his appreciation and love to the University of Texas for giving him another opportunity back in 2021, all signs point to the 49-year-old being perfectly happy where he is. 

And objective speaking, even before Saban left Alabama, the job in Austin might have already been the very best in the country. 

Sarkisian is at the center of the most talent-rich state in the country in terms of recruiting. He has passionate donors with endless pockets, the top facilities in the nation, and as many resources as he could hope to cultivate anywhere else.

On3 Lists Steve Sarkisian As Candidate to Replace Nick Saban at Alabama

He also has all of the support he could possibly imagine from the fan base and decision-makers at Texas, and his players are 100 percent invested in what he is building in Austin. 

Not to mention he is also likely to sign an extension to remain at Texas in the coming days that is sure to send him a very nice payday, and possibly make him one of the highest-paid coaches in the country. 

As such, it would be very hard to imagine him leaving to start all over again at Alabama. That said, if anyone can make a move to steal Sarkisian, it is the Tide.

So until he officially signs his extension, or Alabama names a replacement, Texas fans are going to sweat, and rumors are going to continue to swirl.