History of Steve Sarkisian in Timeline

Steve Sarkisian is an American football coach currently serving as the head coach at the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to Texas, he held head coaching positions at the University of Washington (2009-2013) and the University of Southern California (USC) from 2014-2015. His career showcases a trajectory of leadership roles within major college football programs.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1956: Longhorns Six Consecutive Games Loss

In 2021, the Longhorns then proceeded to lose six consecutive games, which the program had not seen since the 1956 season.

March 8, 1974: Stephen Sarkisian Born

On March 8, 1974, Stephen Sarkisian, later known as a prominent American football coach, was born.

December 1994: Accepted BYU Scholarship

In December 1994, Stephen Sarkisian accepted a scholarship with Brigham Young University (BYU). He was recruited after the previous starting quarterback left for the NFL draft, which created an opening.

1994: Received associate degree from El Camino

In 1994, Sarkisian received an associate degree in general studies from El Camino.

1995: Transferred to BYU

In 1995, Sarkisian transferred to Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, after being recruited by assistant coach DeWayne Walker. He chose BYU due to their history of successful quarterbacks.

December 1996: BYU's Season and Awards

In December 1996, BYU finished the regular season with a 13-1 record and won the WAC Championship. Sarkisian was named WAC Offensive Player of the Year, a second-team All-American, and won the Sammy Baugh Trophy. He also appeared on the cover of TV Guide in December 1996. BYU finished the season with a 14-1 record after winning the Cotton Bowl Classic against Kansas State.

1996: Led BYU to victory over Texas A&M

In 1996, as a senior, Sarkisian led BYU to a 41–37 victory over Texas A&M in the Pigskin Classic, passing for 536 yards and six touchdowns. He sealed the win with a 46-yard touchdown pass.

1997: Earned bachelor's degree from BYU

In 1997, Sarkisian earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from BYU (Brigham Young University).

1997: Joined Saskatchewan Roughriders

In 1997, Steve Sarkisian started his professional football career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

1999: Ended Playing Career

In 1999, Sarkisian ended his playing career after a season where he started for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, throwing 16 touchdown passes and 21 interceptions, with the team finishing with a 3-15 record.

2000: Began Coaching Career at El Camino College

In 2000, Sarkisian began his coaching career by returning to El Camino College as the quarterbacks coach.

January 2007: Withdrew from Raiders Head Coaching Consideration

In January 2007, Sarkisian interviewed for the Oakland Raiders' head coaching position but withdrew his name to remain at USC.

December 8, 2008: Introduced as Head Coach at Washington

On December 8, 2008, the University of Washington introduced Sarkisian as its 23rd head football coach. He signed a contract that started at $1.75 million in 2009 and increased to $2.3 million by 2013.

January 9, 2010: Sarkisian Declined USC Head Coach Position

On January 9, 2010, after Pete Carroll left USC, Sarkisian was considered as a potential replacement, but he decided not to pursue the position and remained at Washington.

December 2, 2013: Sarkisian Returned to USC

On December 2, 2013, Sarkisian returned to USC, accepting the head coaching position with the goal of restoring the program's winning tradition as NCAA sanctions were ending.

September 8, 2014: Reprimanded by Pac-12

On September 8, 2014, Sarkisian and USC athletic director Pat Haden were reprimanded by Pac-12 Conference commissioner Larry Scott for attempting to influence officiating during a game. Haden was also fined $25,000.

2014: Arkansas–Texas football rivalry since the 2014 Texas Bowl

In week 2 of the 2021 season, the Longhorns were defeated 40-21 by the Arkansas Razorbacks, in the first matchup in the Arkansas–Texas football rivalry since the 2014 Texas Bowl.

April 2015: Divorce Filing with Stephanie

In April 2015, Steve Sarkisian and his first wife, Stephanie, filed for divorce; they have three children together.

October 11, 2015: Sarkisian Took Leave of Absence

On October 11, 2015, Sarkisian took an indefinite leave of absence after concerns about his health arose. Offensive coordinator Clay Helton was named interim head coach. Reports indicated Sarkisian appeared intoxicated at a pre-practice meeting.

January 2, 2017: Promoted to Alabama Offensive Coordinator

On January 2, 2017, Sarkisian was promoted to the Alabama offensive coordinator position after Lane Kiffin's departure.

February 7, 2017: Hired as Falcons Offensive Coordinator

On February 7, 2017, Sarkisian was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, replacing Kyle Shanahan.

December 31, 2018: Fired by the Falcons

On December 31, 2018, Sarkisian was fired as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.

January 2019: Re-hired by Alabama

In January 2019, Sarkisian was re-hired as the offensive coordinator for the University of Alabama.

2020: Marriage to Loreal Smith

In 2020, Steve Sarkisian married Loreal Smith, a former collegiate track star and coach.

2020: Broyles Award and FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year

In 2020, Steve Sarkisian won the Broyles Award, given to the nation's top coaching assistant, and the FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year award for his coaching during the season while at Alabama.

January 2, 2021: Named Head Coach at University of Texas

On January 2, 2021, Steve Sarkisian was named the 31st head football coach at the University of Texas at Austin, with an initial six-year contract worth $34.2 million.

2021: First Season as Head Coach at Texas

In 2021, Steve Sarkisian began his first season as head football coach at Texas, starting with a No. 21 ranking in the AP Poll and a 38-18 victory over No. 23 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, followed by a 40-21 loss to Arkansas Razorbacks. The season concluded with a 5-7 record, but the offense ranked second in the Big 12, and Xavier Worthy earned All-American honors.

2022: Texas Longhorns Finished the Season

In 2022, Steve Sarkisian's Texas Longhorns finished the season with an 8-5 record and were ranked #25 in the AP Poll, after losing in the Alamo Bowl to Washington 27–20.

2023: Longhorns Ranked #3 in the AP Poll

In 2023, Steve Sarkisian led the Longhorns to a 5-0 start and a #4 ranking after defeating #3 Alabama, won the Big 12 Championship against Oklahoma State, and made it to the College Football Playoff as the #3 seed. The Longhorns finished the season ranked #3 in the AP Poll after losing to Washington in the Sugar Bowl.

February 22, 2024: Contract Extension Through 2030

On February 22, 2024, Steve Sarkisian received a four-year contract extension through 2030, increasing his salary to $10.3 million for the 2024 season.

July 2024: Divorce Filing with Loreal Smith

In July 2024, Steve Sarkisian and Loreal Smith jointly filed for divorce but have since reconciled; they have one son together.

2030: Contract Extension Through 2030

On February 22, 2024, Steve Sarkisian received a four-year contract extension through 2030, increasing his salary to $10.3 million for the 2024 season.