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Former NFL Player Compares Steve Sarkisian to Legendary College Football Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alex O'Reilly | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 2:10 PM ET

Head coach Steve Sarkisian is on an impressive run with the Texas Longhorns. He has been the leader of the team for four seasons and in the last two, he led them to an appearance in the semifinal of the college football playoff. While they have not won the national championship, Sarkisian is still viewed by many as one of the best college football coaches right now.

On Saturday, Sarkisian got a huge compliment from former NFL player Rod Babers. Babers compared to Sarkisian to legendary college football coach Mack Brown.

"If you want to build a team, you have to start looking at the personality types and looking at football character," Babers said. "I think that's what Sark and Mack Brown have in common."

Receiving a comparison to Mack Brown is high praise for any college football coach, but especially for the Texas head coach. Mack Brown is viewed by many as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. He started his career in 1973 and was still coaching as recently as last season with the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Brown is best known for his tenure with Texas from 1998 to 2013. He helped the team win the 2005 national championship.

Steve Sarkisian appears to be on the right path towards a national championship. His team has improved every season in his first four years as head coach. After going 13-3 last year, the Longhorns should once again be one of the top contenders for the national title in 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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