Ex-Coach Blames Texas Offensive Woes on Sarkisian, Not Quarterback Manning
Former head coach Brian Kelly suggests play-calling and offensive scheme are the root of Texas's struggles, rather than the performance of quarterback Arch Manning.
Brian Kelly, a former head coach, has asserted that Texas Longhorns' offensive struggles and recent back-to-back losses are primarily the responsibility of head coach Steve Sarkisian, rather than quarterback Arch Manning. Kelly's comments come as Texas has fallen from the No. 1 ranking to the brink of College Football Playoff elimination.
Manning's statistics this season place him in the bottom half of SEC quarterbacks in several key categories, including completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdown passes. Many observers have pointed to Manning as the reason for the offense's underperformance, but Kelly argues that the issue lies with the offensive scheme and play-calling.
"I think it’s on the play caller," Kelly stated on SiriusXM. "I think the play caller takes a lot of the responsibility. Look, he’s your quarterback. They’re not going back. I mean, they’re not going to bench him unless there’s just a total meltdown."
Kelly acknowledged Sarkisian's reputation as an "outstanding play caller" but suggested that the offensive strategy may need adjustment. He proposed that a simpler game plan focusing on Manning's strengths, coupled with more effective running and improved completion percentage, could lead to more wins.
"Coach Sarkisian is an outstanding play caller. He understands the game. He’s proven, seasoned, but sometimes there has to be that sit-down conversation," Kelly continued. "Say, ‘Look, we’re going to do what you can do and execute.’ And to your point, Danny, this is about accuracy and higher completion percentage. If we can run the ball with more effectiveness, if you add those two things to the Texas offense, they’re going to win the rest of their football games."
Manning was limited to 20 pass attempts in the team's recent 27-24 home loss to Florida, completing 14 passes for one touchdown and no interceptions. The Longhorns also managed only 99 rushing yards in that game, highlighting a potential need for a more balanced offensive approach.
Texas is set to face No. 7 Ole Miss this Saturday at home, with challenging road games against Missouri and LSU still on the schedule for the remainder of the season.