Steve Sarkisian has an $8 million reason to stick with Texas over the Tennessee Titans

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian may not be eyeing an NFL return.

Despite a report by The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini saying he would be interested in NFL head coaching opportunities, including the opening with the Tennessee Titans, representatives for Sarkisian shot down any speculation. 

CAA's Jimmy Sexton and Ed Marynowitz released a statement denying any communications with NFL teams on Sark's behalf. "Any reports regarding communications on coaching opportunities with NFL teams are patently false and widely inaccurate," the statement read. "Sark is solely focused on coaching the University of Texas football team."

Sarkisian is in the midst of fifth season at Texas with a 43-19 record, with back-to-back 12-plus win seasons and consecutive College Football Playoff appearances.

But outside of building a winning program, Sarkisian has a huge reason to stay in Austin. There is an $8 million gap between Brian Callahan's $3 million salary and the nearly $11 million Sark is getting paid at Texas. Not to say money is everything, but that's a pretty significant gap to make up.

Texas visits Mississippi State on Saturday afternoon as Sarkisian continues to guide Arch Manning and the Longhorns' offense after a 5-2 start. 

More college football news: 

• Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
• Steve Sarkisian reportedly interested in leaving Texas for NFL openings
• Cam Newton nearly comes to blows with a mascot on ESPN
• Paul Finebaum remains sold on one name for Florida opening
• UNC fans think Bill Belichick resigned to join Duke's coaching staff because of a satirical story