Texas head football coach Steve Sarkisian is never short on headlines, but this week, he chose to let others in the Texas athletics family take center stage.
Sarkisian declined to meet with the media following Monday’s spring football practice, a decision the university said was made “out of deference to Vic Schaefer and Bob Bowman’s programs.” A Texas spokesperson confirmed Sarkisian wanted to keep the spotlight on Texas women’s basketball and the Longhorns’ championship-winning swim team.
The Longhorns practiced in half pads Monday, but Sarkisian was not in attendance. The move comes after a historic weekend for Texas Athletics.
Led by 2024 Paris Olympic gold medalist Hubert Kos, the Texas men’s swimming and diving team claimed its 16th national championship. Kos broke two NCAA records and earned three medals at the championship meet. Since 1981, the Longhorns have captured one-third of all NCAA titles in men’s swimming and diving.
Meanwhile, the Texas women’s basketball team punched its ticket to the Final Four for the first time in 22 years, defeating TCU 58–47 in the Elite Eight. Head coach Vic Schaefer and the Lady Longhorns will face top-ranked South Carolina in Tampa, marking the fourth meeting between the teams this season.
In a program filled with powerhouse traditions, Sarkisian’s decision to step aside allowed two of Texas' most successful squads to take a well-deserved turn in the spotlight.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Sarkisian steps aside as Texas programs shine on National stage
