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 an American football coach currently serving as the head coach at the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to this, he held head coaching positions at the University of Washington (2009-2013) and the University of Southern California (USC) from 2014 to 2015. He is a former football player.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1956: Longhorns Losing Streak

In 2021, during Sarkisian's time as head coach, the Longhorns lost six consecutive games, which was a losing streak the program had not seen since the 1956 season.

1992: Joins USC Trojans Baseball Team

In 1992, after graduating from West High School, Sarkisian began his collegiate athletic career at the University of Southern California (USC) as a non-scholarship middle infielder on the Trojans baseball team.

1993: Earns All-Mission Conference Honors

In 1993, as a redshirt freshman at El Camino College, Sarkisian earned All-Mission Conference honors.

December 1994: Accepts Scholarship with BYU

In December 1994, Sarkisian accepted a scholarship with BYU after being recruited by assistant coach DeWayne Walker.

1995: Transfers to Brigham Young University

In 1995, Sarkisian transferred to Brigham Young University (BYU) 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, with Sarkisian throwing two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. He was also featured on the cover of TV Guide in December 1996.

1996: Leads BYU to Victory over Texas A&M in Pigskin Classic

In 1996, Sarkisian started the BYU season strong, passing for 536 yards and six touchdowns in a 41–37 victory over Texas A&M in the Pigskin Classic, which included a 46-yard touchdown pass to seal the victory.

1997: Joins Saskatchewan Roughriders

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

1997: Earns Bachelor's Degree from BYU

In 1997, Sarkisian earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from BYU.

1999: Ends Playing Career

In 1999, after a season where he was a starter but the team had a 3-15 record, Sarkisian ended his playing career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

2000: Coaching Career Begins

In 2000, Sarkisian's coaching career began as the quarterbacks coach at El Camino College.

2001: Joins USC as Offensive Assistant

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

2002: Becomes Quarterbacks Coach at USC

In 2002, Sarkisian became the quarterbacks coach at USC.

2002: Last Bowl Eligiblity

In 2002, the Huskies had their last bowl eligiblity before Sarkisian's efforts in 2010.

2003: Continues as Quarterbacks Coach at USC

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

2004: Becomes Quarterbacks Coach for Oakland Raiders

In 2004, Sarkisian transitioned to the NFL as quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders.

2005: Returns to USC as Assistant Head Coach and Quarterbacks Coach

In 2005, Sarkisian returned to USC as the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach.

January 2007: Interviews for Raiders Head Coaching Position, Withdraws

In January 2007, Sarkisian interviewed with the Oakland Raiders for their vacant head coaching position, but withdrew to stay at USC. He was then named USC's offensive coordinator.

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: Becomes Head Coach at University of 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: Original Contract Details

In 2009, Sarkisian's original contract at Washington was for five years, with $1.75 million guaranteed in the first year.

2009: Upsets USC in First Year as Washington Head Coach

In 2009, during his first year as head coach, Sarkisian led Washington to a 16-13 upset victory over his former team, #3 USC. The team finished with a 5-7 record, a significant improvement over the previous season.

January 9, 2010: Considered for USC Head Coach Position

On January 9, 2010, following Pete Carroll's departure from USC, Sarkisian was considered a potential replacement as head coach but decided not to pursue the position, citing reservations about leaving Washington after one year.

2010: New Contract Signed

Following the 2010 season, Sarkisian signed a new five-year contract with Washington.

2010: Huskies Achieve Bowl Eligibility

In 2010, Sarkisian's second season as head coach, the Washington Huskies went 6-6 and defeated USC again. They concluded the season with a 19-7 victory over #18 Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl, achieving their first winning season and bowl eligibility since 2002.

2011: Huskies Ranked in Major Polls

In 2011, Sarkisian's third season, the Huskies started 6-2 and were ranked in major polls for the first time during his tenure, but finished the season with a 7-6 record after losing to Baylor in the Alamo Bowl.

2011: Salary Increase in New Contract

In 2011, under his new contract, Sarkisian's guaranteed money was $2.25 million.

2012: Huskies Finish Season 7-6

In 2012, the Washington Huskies finished with a 7-6 record after losing to Boise State in the Maaco Bowl Las Vegas, marking Sarkisian's consecutive seven-win seasons which earned him the nickname "Seven Win Steve".

December 2, 2013: Returns to USC as Head Coach

On December 2, 2013, Sarkisian returned to USC as the head football coach, aiming to restore the program to its winning ways as NCAA sanctions ended. He also served as the offensive coordinator.

2013: Salary Reaches $2.3 Million at Washington

By 2013, Sarkisian's salary at the University of Washington had increased to $2.3 million.

2013: Leaves Washington for USC Job

In 2013, Sarkisian won eight games before accepting the head coaching job at USC, prior to Washington's bowl game.

2013: Salary Increase to $2.3 Million

In 2013, Sarkisian's salary rose to $2.3 million under his original contract.

2014: Arkansas-Texas Football Rivalry

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.

2015: Projected Salary of $2.85 Million

By 2015, Sarkisian's contract was projected to pay him $2.85 million.

September 2016: Hired as Analyst for Alabama

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

2016: Serves as Alabama Offensive Coordinator for National Championship Game

In 2016, Sarkisian stepped into the role as Alabama's offensive coordinator for the national championship game against Clemson, which the Tide lost narrowly.

2016: Atlanta Falcons Offense Leads NFL

In 2016, before Sarkisian became offensive coordinator, the Atlanta Falcons offense was leading the NFL in scoring output.

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 Offensive Coordinator for Atlanta Falcons

On February 7, 2017, Sarkisian was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, replacing Kyle Shanahan. Under Sarkisian's guidance, the offense's scoring output dropped from 33.8 points per game in 2016 to 22.1 points per game in 2017.

December 31, 2018: Fired as Falcons Offensive Coordinator

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

January 2019: Re-hired as Alabama Offensive Coordinator

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

2020: Serves as Interim Head Coach for Alabama

In 2020, Sarkisian served as interim head coach for Alabama's victory over Auburn after Nick Saban was quarantined due to COVID-19 protocols.

2020: Broyles Award and FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year

In 2020, Steve Sarkisian coached quarterbacks Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama. During the 2020 season, he received the Broyles Award as the nation's top coaching assistant and was voted FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year by previous award winners.

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

On January 2, 2021, Steve Sarkisian was appointed as the 31st head football coach at the University of Texas at Austin. His initial contract was a six-year deal worth $34.2 million.

2021: First Season as Head Coach at Texas

In 2021, Steve Sarkisian's first season as head football coach at Texas began with the Longhorns ranked No. 21 in the AP Poll. They started with a 38–18 victory over No. 23 Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, followed by a 40-21 loss to Arkansas Razorbacks. The Longhorns finished the season with a 5–7 record, despite having the second best offense in the Big 12. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy received True Freshman All-American honors.

2022: 2022 Season Finish

After losing in the Alamo Bowl to Washington 27–20, Steve Sarkisian's Texas Longhorns finished the 2022 season with an 8-5 record and were ranked #25 in the AP Poll, marking a significant improvement from the previous year.

2023: 2023 Season Highlights

In 2023, Steve Sarkisian led the Texas Longhorns to a #3 ranking in the AP preseason poll. They defeated #3 Alabama in Week 2 and rose to #4 in the polls. The Longhorns won the Big 12 Championship against Oklahoma State 49–21 and made the College Football Playoff as the #3 seed, but lost to Washington in the Sugar Bowl 37–31. The Longhorns finished the season ranked #3 in the AP Poll.

February 22, 2024: Contract Extension

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

2030: Contract Extension Through 2030

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