Texas coach Sarkisian says he could have ‘better’ handled postgame interview that spawned fake videos

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday he should have “better” handled his postgame interview with ESPN reporter Holly Rowe after the win over Ohio State, and acknowledged the testy exchange led to the creation of fake videos and an apology from star quarterback Arch Manning.

Manning joked publicly about an AI-generated video that showed Sarkisian slapping Rowe during the interview. Manning apologized the next day for his remarks and to Rowe specifically. Rowe also posted on social media that she accepted Manning’s apology.

In his weekly conference call with media, Sarkisian noted that his halftime and postgame interviews with EPSN were delayed, and that he had wanted to join his team’s celebration after the victory.

Some of the public criticism of Manning has also blamed Sarkisian for not taking a moment to conduct the interview. The short exchange spawned the fake video that Manning joked about, and several others since the controversy erupted.

Sarkisian said he should have been more patient and spoken with Rowe.

“Obviously we have a ton of respect for ESPN and for Holly,” Sarkisian said. “We could have handled that situation better with a little bit more patience in the moment. But that obviously led to the situation with Arch.”

Manning’s public misstep two days later drew quick and widespread public criticism directed at one of college football’s most prominent players. The nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson of family patriarch Archie Manning has endorsements with major brands such as Red Bull, Vuori athletic wear and Google Gemini artificial intelligence, to name a few.

Manning recognized the mistake in his comments, Sarkisian said.

“In no way do we condone domestic violence or violence against women,” Sarkisian said, adding he believes Manning did not intend anything malicious when he joked about the fake video.

“At his core, he knows what he believes in and what he stands for,” Sarkisian said.

Longhorns’ assistant coach arrested for DWI

Texas defensive assistant coach Johnny Nansen was arrested on a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated charge and his status for a return to the sideline with the No. 1 Longhorns has not yet been determined, Sarkisian announced Thursday.

Austin police said Nansen, 52, was arrested Wednesday night after officers responded to a three-vehicle wreck about 9 p.m. Nansen was one of the drivers and officers observed “multiple clues of impairment” in standard field sobriety tests, police said, without providing details.

The short description of the arrest did not mention whether Nansen submitted to a breath test. It also not detailed whether Nansen or another driver was at fault in the crash.

Sarkisian said Nansen was not at practice Thursday ahead of Saturday night’s home game against UTSA. Nansen coaches inside linebackers and is co-defensive coordinator. He has been on the Texas staff since 2024.

“We’re obviously disappointed, but that’s all I really have on it at this time,” Sarkisian said.

The arrest is the latest problem for Texas after its big come-from-behind 24-23 win over the Buckeyes that boosted Texas from No. 4 to No. 1.