AUSTIN, Texas — Steve Sarkisian orchestrated one of the most thrilling comebacks in Texas football history, but his postgame conduct left a sour taste for many fans and media members.
After trailing by as many as 20 points in the second half, the Longhorns rallied for a stunning 24-23 victory over Ohio State. The defense stiffened, Arch Manning delivered clutch plays, and Hollywood Smothers provided a spark. Yet the celebration took an awkward turn when ESPN reporter Holly Rowe attempted to interview Sarkisian on the field.
Instead of a proper conversation, Sarkisian offered a terse remark and walked away, leaving Rowe and viewers puzzled. “That’s called Texas fight,” he yelled into the camera before disappearing into the night.
Fans and pundits were quick to criticize the coach's demeanor. “Not classy by Sark – but his players and fandom will love it,” Skip Bayless wrote on X. Social media erupted with similar sentiments, with one fan calling it a “classless move” and another labeling him a “loser” for avoiding interviews.
The incident wasn't the first time Sarkisian sidestepped media obligations that evening. At halftime, with Texas trailing 20-3, he sprinted to the locker room, skipping his scheduled interview with Laura Rutledge. However, Rutledge later clarified that technical difficulties had delayed the segment, and Sarkisian had been patient before heading off.
“I do want to make sure we clear something up. [Steve Sarkisian] did decline the interview at the half,” Rutledge explained. “He had waited a long time, been very patient with some technical issues that we had. He apologized to us. We should be apologizing to him, which we did.”
While the halftime snub may have been understandable, the postgame brush-off felt different. Rowe has long been respected for her professionalism, and many felt Sarkisian's abrupt exit was unnecessary, especially after such a monumental win.
This isn't the first time Sarkisian has found himself in the spotlight for his interactions. Earlier this season, Longhorns fans turned on Sarkisian during a rough start against the Buckeyes, and now his postgame behavior is drawing fresh scrutiny.
Some defenders argue that emotions run high after a game of this magnitude, and coaches often prioritize celebrating with their players. Still, the optics were poor, especially considering the high stakes of this matchup and the national audience watching.
As the dust settles, the question remains: will Sarkisian address the controversy, or will he let the win speak for itself? For now, the victory stands, but the memory of his sideline snub may linger longer than the celebration.
