Worse Than Expected: Steve Sarkisian Gives Controversial Name to His Newborn Son, Causing Tension Across Longhorn Nation and Beyond

Worse Than Expected: Steve Sarkisian Gives Controversial Name to His Newborn Son, Causing Tension Across Longhorn Nation and Beyond
How One Name Sparked Outrage, Division, and a Cultural Firestorm in the World of College Football

I. A Joyful Announcement Turns Into a Storm of Controversy

What was supposed to be a celebratory moment for Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has now evolved into a viral cultural flashpoint. Earlier this week, Sarkisian and his wife made a public announcement about the birth of their newborn son. But rather than being met with universal congratulations, the moment was immediately overshadowed by an unexpected and jarring decision: the name they gave their child.

While most parents pick names with deep personal or cultural meaning, Sarkisian’s choice has caused immediate backlash across social media, fan forums, and even inside the Texas Longhorns community. The name — which many see as politically charged, controversial, and tone-deaf in today’s highly sensitive environment — has not only become the butt of late-night jokes, but has also ignited a deeper debate about public responsibility, celebrity influence, and the role of sports figures as cultural ambassadors.

II. The Name That Shook the Forty Acres

Sources close to the Sarkisian family confirmed that the coach named his son “Nixon Colt Sarkisian.”

It’s the middle name, “Colt,” that was initially meant as a nod to Texas culture — possibly referencing former Longhorns legend Colt McCoy — but the first name, “Nixon,” is what set social media ablaze.

Almost immediately, comparisons were drawn to former U.S. President Richard Nixon, whose legacy is infamously tied to the Watergate scandal, resignation from office, and deep national distrust. While some attempted to interpret the name as symbolic or even ironic, a majority of reactions were visceral and unforgiving.

III. Fanbase Erupts: Longhorn Nation Voices Its Dismay

Across Reddit, Twitter (now X), and popular Texas football message boards, the reaction from the Longhorns fanbase was swift and divided — but mostly negative.

“We just started winning again and now we’ve got this distraction?” wrote one user on the HornSports forum.
“Nixon? As in Watergate Nixon? What the hell was Sark thinking?” posted another.

Many fans saw the name as a public relations disaster. Others took it as a sign of detachment — suggesting that Sarkisian may have underestimated how a head coach at a premier college football program must always be aware of optics and public sentiment, even in personal matters.

IV. Political Undertones: A Loaded Symbol in a Polarized Climate

The controversy also spilled into the political arena. Naming a child after one of the most divisive presidents in American history was perceived by many as a subtle political statement — whether intended or not.

Political commentators on both sides weighed in. Some conservative voices praised the name as a “bold reclamation,” arguing that history has been unfair to Richard Nixon, particularly in light of modern political scandals. Others, especially more progressive commentators, viewed the name as a deliberate provocation — a symbol of institutional decay and distrust.

MSNBC’s Joy Reid sarcastically tweeted, “Congrats to Sarkisian on the birth of little Obstruction of Justice.”

Meanwhile, Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson commented: “If naming your son ‘Nixon’ makes people this angry, perhaps the real problem is our inability to separate politics from parenthood.”

V. Players and Recruits Privately React: “It’s Just Weird”

Sources inside the Longhorns locker room revealed that several players found the name odd, even off-putting. While no one wanted to go on the record criticizing their head coach — especially one who has recently elevated Texas to national prominence — the unease was real.

One player, speaking anonymously, said:

“Look, Coach Sark is a great guy and we love him, but when we saw the name, we were like… really? That’s what you’re going with?”

This unease has reportedly reached the recruiting trail as well. Several high school athletes and their parents were left scratching their heads, and at least two families reportedly inquired whether the university shared the same “ideological leanings.”

VI. University of Texas Issues a Statement: “Personal Choice”

In an effort to quell the growing media frenzy, the University of Texas issued a brief but firm statement:

“The personal decisions of our coaching staff, including the naming of their children, remain private matters. Coach Sarkisian has our full support, and we ask the public to respect his family’s privacy during this joyous occasion.”

The attempt at deflection did little to stop the firestorm. The name had already become a trending topic on social media, spawning countless memes, debates, and even a Change.org petition demanding Sarkisian “apologize for bringing political controversy to the program.”

VII. Sarkisian Responds: “It’s Just a Name — Not a Statement”

In a hastily arranged press conference following spring practice, Steve Sarkisian finally addressed the issue head-on.

“First off, thank you for all the support we’ve received about the birth of our son. We’re blessed. As for the name — Nixon was a name we liked. It’s strong, unique, and it meant something to us personally. There was no political agenda. It’s just a name. That’s it.”

He paused and then added with a half-smile:

“And no, we’re not raising him to run for office.”

VIII. Branding vs. Identity: When the Personal Becomes Public

College football is more than a sport in places like Austin — it’s culture, community, and identity. In that context, the naming of a coach’s child, particularly with such a loaded name, ceases to be private.

Marketing experts noted that brand alignment is crucial in high-profile programs, and any perception of misalignment — no matter how trivial — can damage trust with recruits, boosters, and fans.

“Texas is trying to cultivate a modern, forward-looking image,” said Dr. Lorraine Huff, a sports marketing professor at UT. “The name ‘Nixon’ drags the program back into the past in ways that are counterproductive.”

IX. Social Media Backlash: From Hashtags to Has-Baby

Within hours of the announcement, hashtags like #NixonGate, #SarkScandal, and #NameHimColt were trending on X. Satirical accounts popped up with names like “@BabyNixonUT” and memes flooded the internet showing the baby being “sworn in” on a Bible.

Comedian Trevor Noah joked on his podcast:

“Look, I love college football, but only Sark could make a baby name sound like an ethics violation.”

X. Moving Forward: Can Texas Shake Off the Distraction?

Despite the chaos, many close to the program believe this will blow over — as long as Sarkisian keeps winning. The Longhorns are heading into the SEC with high expectations after a College Football Playoff run, and fans ultimately care more about results than controversy.

However, the incident serves as a reminder that in the age of 24/7 media scrutiny, even the most personal moments can become headline news.

XI. Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Culture, Celebrity, and Football

The naming of Nixon Colt Sarkisian might have seemed innocent on the surface. But in the hyper-politicized, brand-sensitive world of college athletics, it has become a microcosm of broader cultural tensions.

As the Longhorns prepare for one of the most high-stakes seasons in recent memory, all eyes will be on Sarkisian — not just as a coach, but now as the father of a baby whose name has become a national talking point.

Whether this moment becomes a footnote or a foot-in-mouth depends entirely on what comes next — both on the field and off.