In the realm of college football, where triumphs and challenges intertwine, the story of Steve Sarkisian stands as a testament to resilience, redemption, and unwavering determination.
From the heights of coaching success to a fall marred by personal struggles, Sarkisian’s path to redemption was illuminated by support, determination, and an unwavering belief in his capabilities.
This is the compelling tale of Steve Sarkisian, a man whose journey transcends football, offering inspiration and motivation to all who encounter the story of his remarkable comeback.
Who is Steve Sarkisian?
Former player and coach Stephen Sarkisian is American. His birthday is March 8, 1974. Since January 2021, he has served as the head football coach at the University of Texas at Austin.
Sarkisian served as the head football coach at the University of Washington from 2009 to 2013, and then at the University of Southern California (USC) from 2014 to 2015.
He was a quarterback for Brigham Young University (BYU) and the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in professional football.
Sarkisian was the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL from 2017 to 2018. From 2019 to 2020, he was the offensive coordinator at the University of Alabama.
What happened to Steve Sarkisian?
In 2015, alcohol issues led to a highly publicized firing of Steve, and he wouldn’t land another head coaching job until 2021 when he took over at Texas.
During the last coaches’ news conference before the CFP semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Washington, Steve Sarkisian talked about his time with Texas and how he once believed he would never make it to the College Football Playoffs.
When asked if there was a moment he thought finishing this far in a season would ever be achievable, Sarkisian specifically cited the months after he was fired from USC in 2015.
Following his firing from USC, Sarkisian checked himself into an alcohol treatment facility. He believes Nick Saban, the head coach of Alabama, provided him with a lifeline to coaching again in 2016.
After receiving an offer from head coach Nick Saban to work as an offensive analyst on his staff, Sarkisian left to join the Atlanta Falcons and later rejoined the Crimson Tide as offensive coordinator in 2019.
Sarkisian served in that capacity for two years before being appointed head coach of Texas. Sarkisian has never led a team to the postseason, despite his prior experience as an assistant in the CFP with Alabama.
The Longhorns’ visit to the CFP is also their first. For Sarkisian, who began his head coaching career at Washington in 2009, this is ironically something of a full-circle moment.
Even though these two teams faced off in the Alamo Bowl the previous season, it has been emotional to play against his former team and potentially earn a spot in the national championship.
Prior to returning to USC, where he was once a highly sought-after assistant coach, Sarkisian was one of the rising young stars in the college football coaching community.
Sarkisian observed that his journey helps him see things in a different light and makes him grateful for the opportunities he gets.
The current focus for Sarkisian and Texas is the opportunity that lies ahead—first in the Sugar Bowl, and with a win, a trip to the College Football Playoff championship game.
However, he hopes that by sharing his story, “it can serve as some sort of motivation to others.”
Is Steve Sarkisian married?
Steve Sarkisian and Loreal Smith got married in 2020. Among Longhorns supporters, Loreal is affectionately referred to as “The First Lady of Texas Football” because of her unique position in the world of Texas football.
Apart from her impeccable sense of style on game days, Loreal was a major contributor to Sarkisian’s comeback as a player.
Before Loreal’s influence became apparent, Sarkisian had difficulty obtaining coaching interviews after his dismissal from USC in 2016. Her advice and assistance were crucial in assisting him in reestablishing his coaching career.
She also helps Sarkisian get ready for games, emphasizing their close relationship in both life and the football world.
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