"That’s stupid": Texas AD has blunt reaction to Steve Sarkisian's NFL transition rumors amid Cotton Bowl

The NFL has just completed its 18-week regular season, and as is customary on "Black Monday," multiple coaching vacancies have emerged, sparking rumors linking top college football coaches like Steve Sarkisian to NFL head coaching positions.

Amid these rumors connecting Sarkisian, the Texas Longhorns coach, to potential NFL jobs, Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte is not pleased. With the upcoming Cotton Bowl Classic against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Friday night, Del Conte has called out such rumors as nothing but "fodder."

"We've got a game to play," Del Conte told the Houston Chronicle. "I'm not going to comment. Somebody's just creating fodder before our biggest game. That's stupid."

Del Conte also mentioned that he was "never worried" about his coach going back to the Alabama Crimson Tide. He previously worked there under now-retired Nick Saban as offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2020.

It won't be new for Steve Sarkisian to work in the NFL, having previous experience working as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders.

Sarkisian is under contract with the University of Texas through the 2030 season. His annual pay has increased from $5.6 million annually last January to more than $10 million now, according to Mesabi Tribune.

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Insider reports NFL teams interested in Steve Sarkisian

After Steve Sarkisian successfully willed the Longhorns to the College Football semifinal, NFL teams looking for a change are reported to be interested in the services of the Texas coach.

"I would expect some teams to call and inquire about the Texas head coach, Steve Sarkisian, who's drawn some interest from the NFL level," NFL Insider Adam Schefter said.

Since joining the Longhorns in 2021, Sarkisian has led the Longhorns to two College Football Playoff trips while holding an overall record of 38-16.

In recent times, college football and NFL coaches have changed destinations.

Last month, Bill Belichick, who won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots alongside Tom Brady, announced he's taking over as the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Last year, after leading the Michigan Wolverines to the national title, Jim Harbaugh took the head coaching role of the LA Chargers. Moreover, in his very first season, he led the Chargers to the playoffs.