Stephen Ambrose Sarkisian, more widely known as Steve Sarkisian, is a notable figure in the landscape of American football. He has journeyed from a relatively quiet playing career to becoming one of the most talked-about and influential coaches in the NCAA. Born on March 8, 1974, in Torrance, California, Sarkisian has proven to be more than just a coach — he is a builder, a mentor, and a man who has weathered personal storms to reach professional heights many only dream of. As of 2025, Sarkisian serves as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, a position he has held since January 2021.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Southern California, Steve Sarkisian grew up in a family of Armenian and Irish heritage. He was the youngest of seven children, which helped shape his competitive and resilient nature. Sarkisian attended West High School in Torrance, where he played both football and baseball. Initially, he pursued college baseball at the University of Southern California (USC), but his passion for football ultimately took over. He transferred to El Camino College, a junior college in the Los Angeles area, where he had the chance to revive his football career.
Steve Sarkisian Playing Career
At El Camino College, Sarkisian made a name for himself as a talented quarterback. He completed a remarkable 72.4% of his passes, earning All-Mission Conference honors and putting himself back on the football radar. This success caught the attention of Brigham Young University (BYU), and Sarkisian transferred there in 1995.
At BYU, he became the starting quarterback in 1995 and had a breakout season in 1996. He threw for 4,027 yards and 33 touchdowns, leading the nation in passer efficiency with a rating of 173.6. He won the prestigious Sammy Baugh Trophy and was named a second-team All-American. BYU finished the 1996 season 14-1, and Sarkisian’s performances were pivotal to the team’s Holiday Bowl victory over Kansas State.
After college, Sarkisian briefly played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 1997 to 1999. Though his professional playing career never reached the NFL level, the leadership skills and offensive mind he displayed as a player laid the foundation for his transition into coaching.
Sarkisian’s Coaching Journey: From JUCO to Power 5 Elite
Steve Sarkisian began his coaching career in 2000 as the quarterbacks coach at his alma mater, El Camino College. A year later, he was brought on by USC as an offensive assistant under head coach Pete Carroll. By 2002, he was elevated to quarterbacks coach, mentoring notable future NFL players like Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart.
In 2004, Sarkisian took a detour into the NFL as the quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders. But he soon returned to USC, where he again served as quarterbacks coach and later offensive coordinator. During his tenure, USC was a dominant force in college football, and Sarkisian’s offensive strategies were a major reason why.
Head Coaching Stints
- University of Washington (2009–2013): Sarkisian took over a struggling Washington Huskies program that had gone winless (0-12) in 2008. Under his leadership, the team steadily improved, reaching bowl games and finishing with winning records.
- USC (2014–2015): Sarkisian returned to USC as head coach, but his tenure was cut short due to personal issues related to alcohol abuse. He was dismissed mid-season in 2015.
- Alabama Crimson Tide (2016, 2019–2020): Sarkisian rehabilitated his career under Nick Saban at Alabama. Initially hired as an analyst, he eventually became the offensive coordinator. In 2020, his offensive unit helped Alabama secure a national championship.
- University of Texas (2021–Present): Hired in January 2021, Sarkisian took over the Texas Longhorns with great expectations. After a challenging first season, he led the team to a Big 12 championship in 2023 and a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance in 2024. His ability to develop quarterbacks and manage complex offenses has been crucial to Texas’ resurgence.
Steve Sarkisian Salary and Contract Details
As of 2025, Steve Sarkisian is among the highest-paid coaches in college football. Initially hired by Texas with a base salary of $5.2 million, Sarkisian signed a major contract extension in 2023 following the Longhorns’ championship success. The new contract extends through 2031 and includes annual raises, starting at $10.8 million in 2025 and projected to exceed $12 million by the end of the deal.
Incentives tied to postseason success, recruiting, and academic performance could push his annual compensation even higher. These figures place him in the top tier of college football salaries alongside names like Nick Saban and Kirby Smart.
Steve Sarkisian’s Personal Life: Family, Wives, and Children
First Marriage and Children
Steve Sarkisian tied the knot with his college sweetheart, Stephanie Sarkisian, around 1997. Together, they had three children: daughters Ashley Sarkisian and Taylor Sarkisian, and a son, Brady Sarkisian. Among them, Brady has followed in his father’s athletic footsteps, now playing as a quarterback for the Texas Longhorns under his father’s leadership.
Their marriage lasted nearly 20 years before ending in divorce in 2015. The split came during one of the most challenging chapters in Sarkisian’s life, coinciding with his departure from USC and personal struggles related to alcohol dependency. Despite these difficulties, he has remained closely involved in the lives of his children — especially Ashley Sarkisian, who has occasionally been seen supporting her father at public events and games.
Second Marriage
In 2020, Steve Sarkisian married Loreal Smith, a former USC track coach who is now a well-known stylist and motivational figure. The couple became a symbol of second chances and personal growth, frequently appearing together at events and team functions.
In 2024, reports surfaced of a brief separation, but the couple reconciled shortly afterward. In April 2025, Steve and Loreal welcomed their first child together, a baby boy, further solidifying their bond and marking a new chapter in their lives.
Sarkisian’s Coaching Philosophy and Legacy
Steve Sarkisian is known for his innovative offensive mind, rooted in the West Coast system but adapted to modern spread concepts. He emphasizes quarterback development, play-action concepts, and creative formations to keep defenses off-balance. His success at Alabama and now at Texas shows his ability to modernize and optimize offensive performance.
Despite the highs and lows of his personal and professional life, Sarkisian has built a legacy of resilience, leadership, and adaptability. His return to the top ranks of college football is a testament to his strategic brilliance and personal growth.
Achievements and Career Highlights
- Sammy Baugh Trophy (1996)
- BYU Hall of Fame Inductee
- Big 12 Champion (2023)
- CFP Semifinalist (2024)
- Alabama Offensive Coordinator (2020 National Championship)
- Current Head Coach, Texas Longhorns (2021–Present)
Final Thoughts
Steve Sarkisian’s journey from a junior college quarterback to one of the most prominent coaches in college football is nothing short of remarkable. His life has been shaped by trials, triumphs, personal setbacks, and powerful comebacks. Through it all, Sarkisian has remained committed to his craft, his players, and his family.
As he continues to write the next chapters of his career at Texas, Sarkisian is not only a football coach — he is a symbol of redemption, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
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