Breaking News: Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian Arrested for Public Intoxication in Austin
AUSTIN, TEXAS — In a bombshell development that has rocked the Texas Longhorns football program to its core, head coach Steve Sarkisian was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning in downtown Austin. Authorities confirmed that Sarkisian was taken into custody by the Austin Police Department on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct after an incident outside a nightclub on Sixth Street. Eyewitness accounts, preliminary police reports, and social media footage paint a troubling picture of the veteran coach’s behavior in the hours leading up to his arrest. The incident occurred just weeks after the Longhorns wrapped up a high-profile season, putting even more pressure on a program that had finally begun to show signs of long-awaited resurgence.
The arrest took place at approximately 2:15 a.m., when APD officers responded to reports of a loud, intoxicated male being denied re-entry to a well-known upscale lounge in downtown Austin. When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered a visibly agitated man who was later identified as Steve Sarkisian. Witnesses stated that Sarkisian was yelling at security staff and attempting to physically push his way back inside the venue, despite repeated warnings from the club’s management. Police noted that he showed clear signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, unsteady footing, and the odor of alcohol on his breath. Bystanders with smartphones captured parts of the encounter, some of which were uploaded online before being taken down within hours.
Following standard protocol, officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, asking Sarkisian to leave the area peacefully. However, according to the official incident report, Sarkisian continued to act belligerently, at one point shouting profanities at officers and challenging their decision to intervene. After failing to comply with lawful instructions and disturbing the peace in a crowded public space, officers placed him under arrest. He was handcuffed and taken to Travis County Jail, where he was booked shortly after 3:00 a.m. and released before 8:00 a.m. on a standard bond. No physical injuries or damage to property were reported.
The arrest immediately triggered an avalanche of speculation, controversy, and concern, both within the University of Texas athletic department and among the broader college football community. The University of Texas released a brief but stern statement later that morning, saying, “We are aware of the incident involving head football coach Steve Sarkisian. The University takes these matters seriously and is currently gathering additional information. Coach Sarkisian has been placed on administrative leave pending further review.” That response, though carefully worded, did little to quell the growing unrest among fans, alumni, and analysts, many of whom took to social media to express their disbelief and disappointment.
The incident also brings renewed scrutiny to Sarkisian’s past. This is not the first time questions about his relationship with alcohol have surfaced. During his tenure as head coach at the University of Southern California in 2015, Sarkisian was fired mid-season after a series of alcohol-related episodes, including an infamous booster event where he appeared intoxicated and delivered a profanity-laced speech. At the time, it was revealed that Sarkisian had been struggling with alcohol dependency, and he later acknowledged those issues publicly. He entered a treatment program and took time away from coaching before resurfacing in the college football world as Alabama’s offensive coordinator in 2019. Under Nick Saban’s mentorship, Sarkisian was widely credited with turning his life around, earning praise for his work ethic, humility, and ability to lead high-powered offenses. His success at Alabama led to his high-profile hiring by Texas in January 2021, where he was tasked with restoring the Longhorns’ program to national prominence.
For the past three seasons, Sarkisian has made progress—albeit inconsistently. His first year saw a disappointing 5–7 record, but in 2023 and 2024, the Longhorns bounced back with winning records, a Top 10 ranking, and an appearance in the Big 12 Championship game. Sarkisian’s recruiting prowess, offensive creativity, and player development had positioned Texas as a serious contender as it prepared to transition into the SEC. Many believed that under his leadership, the Longhorns were finally building the stability and competitive edge that had eluded them since the Mack Brown era. However, Monday morning’s arrest has cast a dark shadow over those accomplishments and raised difficult questions about Sarkisian’s judgment, self-control, and long-term viability as the face of one of the most visible programs in college sports.
Sources inside the Texas athletics department confirmed that Athletic Director Chris Del Conte was notified of the arrest within hours and immediately held a closed-door meeting with key university officials, including members of the university’s legal counsel and public relations team. While no final decision on Sarkisian’s status has been made, insiders suggest that the university is strongly considering invoking a “for cause” termination clause in his contract. Sarkisian’s deal, which is valued at over $34 million through 2026, includes provisions that allow for dismissal without buyout in the event of behavior that is deemed damaging to the university’s reputation or a violation of university policy, including criminal conduct. Legal experts note that public intoxication, particularly when it leads to a high-profile arrest, could be sufficient grounds for such action, though it may depend on the outcome of any criminal proceedings.
Adding further complexity to the situation is the national reaction from media analysts and former players. On ESPN, Paul Finebaum did not mince words: “This is a devastating blow not just to Steve Sarkisian, but to the entire Texas program. You cannot have your head coach—your leader—arrested outside a bar in the middle of the night and expect to move forward without consequences.” Others, like former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, urged compassion, tweeting, “We don’t know the full story yet, but I’m praying for Coach Sark and his family. Everyone faces demons—what matters is how you respond.”
Meanwhile, several current and former players expressed shock and confusion in group chats and on private social media accounts. Some shared memories of Sarkisian speaking candidly about his sobriety journey during team meetings and emphasizing accountability, discipline, and integrity as foundational values for the program. One anonymous player, quoted by a local sports outlet, said, “It’s hard to believe. He always told us to stay out of trouble, to represent the ‘T’ with pride. If this is true, it’s heartbreaking.”
The broader college football world has also taken note, with many observers calling into question the culture of celebrity and pressure that surrounds top coaches. Coaching at the University of Texas is one of the most demanding jobs in all of sports, where expectations from boosters, alumni, and fans can create an intense environment that few can thrive in. The job comes with financial rewards and national spotlight, but it also carries personal and professional risks. Whether this incident reflects a momentary lapse in judgment or a deeper issue that has not been fully addressed remains unclear, but what is certain is that the fallout will be far-reaching.
On the legal side, Sarkisian will face a court appearance in the coming weeks. Public intoxication is typically classified as a Class C misdemeanor in Texas, punishable by a fine of up to $500. However, disorderly conduct charges or any potential escalation—especially if the state deems his behavior disruptive enough to warrant further review—could complicate matters. His legal team has not yet issued a formal statement, though several outlets have reported that high-profile Austin-based defense attorney Rusty Hardin has been retained to represent Sarkisian.
As for the football team, uncertainty now looms large. With spring training only months away and recruitment windows rapidly approaching, the absence of a stable head coach could derail the program’s forward momentum. Associate head coach Jeff Banks is widely expected to take over on an interim basis if Sarkisian is placed on extended leave or dismissed. Banks, known for his special teams expertise and recruiting abilities, has worked alongside Sarkisian for several years and is considered a strong internal candidate to maintain continuity. However, long-term decisions about the coaching staff, recruiting strategy, and the university’s commitment to its football identity may soon be on the table.
In the days ahead, much will depend on what additional information comes to light. Was this a one-time mistake or the latest sign of a recurring personal struggle? Can Sarkisian regain the trust of his players, the administration, and the fanbase? Will the university choose to support him through rehabilitation and second chances, or will it decide that the risk to its reputation is too great?
One thing is clear: the arrest of Steve Sarkisian is more than a personal crisis—it is a pivotal moment for the University of Texas and the college football landscape as a whole. In an age where coaches are not just tacticians but role models, public figures, and symbols of institutional values, moments like this test the boundaries of forgiveness, accountability, and leadership.
Until then, the bright lights of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium will dim slightly as a once-revived program faces perhaps its greatest off-field challenge in over a decade. And the man once hailed as its savior will now be remembered—for now—for one night that may alter the trajectory of a storied football powerhouse.
