Steve Sarkisian addresses Jay Hartzell's exit as he reveals why he's envious of former UT president

It's not only coaches and players who can leave schools and create a massive change. It was announced earlier this week that University of Texas President Jay Hartzell will be leaving the school to become the next president of Southern Methodist University.

Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian addressed how Hartzell had to battle some tough situations throughout his four years as the president of the university:

"I have so much respect for President Hartzell. He was interim president at UT, and he was interim in the midst of a pretty tumultuous time with COVID, social injustice, and he had to make a hire for a football coach at the University of Texas, which is not always the easiest thing to do."

Even through the tough times, Sarkisian spoke about how he felt envious of Hartzell.

"His leadership was something that I definitely envied and I tried to model a lot of things behind. He'll be sorely missed. I'm sure that the powers that be, Chairman (Kevin) Eltife, will find another great president, but he did another tremendous job in the four years that I was here. That's for sure."

Hartzell will not take over as Southern Methodist's president until June 1. He will be replacing R. Gerald Turner, the SMU president for three decades.

What does this mean for Texas Longhorns football?

While a president can significantly alter the way a university decides to spend money, the Texas Longhorns football program is not going to be altered. The Longhorns have been a money driver for the school and continue to be national championship contenders, as the Longhorns prepare to face the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Cotton Bowl in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

The change in presidency is not expected to usher significant change in regards to the football program. Steve Sarkisian holds power at the university, so there isn't expected to be a power struggle in regard to the athletics and college football at Austin.