Career Timeline of Steve Sarkisian: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Steve Sarkisian made an impact.

Steve Sarkisian is a prominent 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) (2014-2015). His career also includes stints as an assistant coach, showcasing his experience across various levels of collegiate football. He is also a former player.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1993: Earned All-Mission Conference Honors

In 1993, as a redshirt freshman at El Camino College, Sarkisian earned All-Mission Conference honors in football, marking a significant achievement in his evolving athletic career.

December 1994: Accepted BYU Scholarship

In December 1994, Sarkisian accepted a football scholarship with Brigham Young University (BYU) after being recruited by assistant coach DeWayne Walker, joining the team for the 1995 season.

1995: Transferred to BYU

In 1995, Sarkisian transferred to Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, as a junior.

December 1996: BYU wins Cotton Bowl Classic

In December 1996, BYU finished the season with a 19–15 win over Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Sarkisian threw a pair of touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to lead the Cougars to a come-from-behind victory. He was also featured on the cover of TV Guide in December 1996.

1996: Leads BYU to Victory Over Texas A&M

In 1996, during BYU's season opener, Sarkisian passed for 536 yards and six touchdowns, leading the Cougars to a 41-37 upset victory over Texas A&M in the Pigskin Classic.

1997: Joins Saskatchewan Roughriders

In 1997, Sarkisian began playing professionally for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

1999: Ends CFL Career

In 1999, after a season as a starter with 16 touchdown passes and 21 interceptions, and a 3-15 record with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Sarkisian ended his playing career.

2000: Begins Coaching Career at El Camino College

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

2001: Joins USC Coaching Staff

In 2001, Sarkisian joined his former coach, Norm Chow, at USC as an offensive assistant under new head coach Pete Carroll.

2002: Serves as Quarterbacks Coach at USC

In 2002, Sarkisian served as the quarterbacks coach at USC.

2003: Continues as Quarterbacks Coach at USC

In 2003, Sarkisian continued his role as quarterbacks coach at USC.

2004: Coaches for the Oakland Raiders

In 2004, Sarkisian moved to the professional ranks as quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders of the NFL, contributing to a season with over 4,000 passing yards.

2005: Returns to USC as Assistant Head Coach

In 2005, Sarkisian returned to USC with the title of assistant head coach, in addition to his duties as quarterbacks coach.

January 2007: Remains at USC

In January 2007, Sarkisian interviewed with the Raiders for their vacant head coaching position, but pulled himself out of the running to stay at USC.

December 8, 2008: Introduced as Head Coach at University of Washington

On December 8, 2008, the University of Washington introduced Sarkisian as its 23rd head football coach.

2009: Begins as Head Coach at Washington

In 2009, Sarkisian began his tenure as head football coach at the University of Washington, with a contract paying him $1.75 million.

2009: Upsets USC in First Season as Head Coach

In 2009, during his first year as head coach, Washington, under Sarkisian, upset #3 USC with a last-second field goal. The team finished with a 5-7 record, a significant improvement from the previous season.

January 9, 2010: Declines Offer from USC

On January 9, 2010, despite media speculation and consideration by USC athletic director Mike Garrett, Sarkisian declined an offer to become head coach of the Trojans, choosing to remain at the University of Washington.

2010: Huskies Achieve Bowl Eligibility

In 2010, Sarkisian's second season as head coach, the Washington Huskies went 6-6, defeating USC again and becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 2002.

2011: Huskies Finish Season 7-6

In 2011, despite expectations of regression after Jake Locker's departure, Sarkisian's Huskies started strong, finishing the season with a 7-6 record after a loss in the Alamo Bowl.

2012: Huskies Finish 7-6 for the Second Year in a Row

In 2012, the Washington Huskies finished with a 7-6 record for the second consecutive year, following a loss to Boise State in the Maaco Bowl Las Vegas.

December 2, 2013: Returns to USC as Head Coach

On December 2, 2013, Sarkisian returned to USC, accepting the head coaching position with the goal of restoring the program to its winning ways after NCAA sanctions.

2013: Accepts Head Coaching Job at USC

In 2013, Sarkisian won eight games before accepting the head coaching job at USC.

September 2016: Hired as Analyst for Alabama

In September 2016, Sarkisian was hired by Alabama as an analyst for their football team.

2016: Hired as Analyst for Alabama

In 2016, Sarkisian was hired by Alabama as an analyst for their football team.

January 2, 2017: Promoted to Alabama Offensive Coordinator

On January 2, 2017, Sarkisian was promoted to the Alabama offensive coordinator position, stepping into the role for the national championship game against Clemson.

February 7, 2017: Hired as Falcons Offensive Coordinator

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

December 31, 2018: Fired as Falcons Offensive Coordinator

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

January 2019: Alabama Re-hires Sarkisian

In January 2019, Alabama re-hired Steve Sarkisian as the offensive coordinator.

2020: Interim Head Coach Victory and COVID-19 Protocols

In 2020, Steve Sarkisian served as interim head coach for Alabama's 42–13 victory over Auburn after Nick Saban had to be quarantined due to COVID-19 protocols.

2020: Broyles Award and FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year Award

In 2020, during his second stint at Alabama, Steve Sarkisian coached quarterbacks Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa. He won the Broyles Award, given to the nation's top coaching assistant, for his coaching during the 2020 season. He also won the FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year award.

January 2, 2021: Named Head Football 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's first season as head coach at Texas, the Longhorns were ranked No. 21 in the AP Poll. They started with a 38–18 victory over No. 23 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns but finished with a 5–7 record after a six-game losing streak. Despite the record, the offense ranked second in the Big 12, and Xavier Worthy earned All-American honors.

2022: Texas Longhorns Finish 8-5

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. This marked a drastic improvement from the previous year.

2023: Successful Season and Playoff Appearance

In 2023, Steve Sarkisian led the Texas Longhorns to a successful season, finishing ranked #3 in the AP Poll. They achieved a victory over #3 Alabama, won the Big 12 Championship against Oklahoma State 49–21, and made it to the College Football Playoff as the #3 seed, ultimately losing to Washington in the Sugar Bowl 37–31.

February 22, 2024: Contract Extension and Salary Increase

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

2025: Season Performance and Playoff Outcome

In 2025, despite starting the season ranked atop the preseason polls, the Texas Longhorns, under Steve Sarkisian, missed the College Football Playoff after losses to Ohio State, Florida, and Georgia. The game against Ohio State had 16.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched Week 1 college football game in history.