Brief Introduction of Steve Sarkisian
Stephen “Steve” Sarkisian, born on March 8, 1974, is a highly respected American football coach renowned for his offensive acumen and his current role as the head football coach for the University of Texas at Austin. Sarkisian has forged a prominent career in college and professional football, known for his ability to revitalize programs and develop top-tier quarterback talent. He is particularly recognized for leading the Texas Longhorns to significant success, including a Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff appearances, marking a significant resurgence for the program.
Steve Sarkisian Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephen Sarkisian |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1974 |
| Age (as of August 31, 2025) | 51 years old |
| Birthplace | Torrance, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity/Ancestry | Armenian and Irish |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Parents | Seb Sarkisian (father), Sally Sarkisian (mother) |
| Siblings | Youngest of seven children |
| First Wife | Stephanie Sarkisian (married 1997, divorced 2015) |
| Children (with Stephanie) | Ashley, Taylor, Brady |
| Second Wife | Loreal Smith (married 2020, reconciled after July 2024 divorce filing) |
| Child (with Loreal) | Amays Sarkisian (son, born April 2025) |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Alma Mater | Brigham Young University (B.A. Sociology, 1997) |
| Profession | American Football Coach, Former Player |
| Current Team | Texas Longhorns (Head Coach) |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | $74.2 million |
| Annual Salary (2025) | $10.8 million |
Early Life and Education of Steve Sarkisian
Stephen Sarkisian, known as Steve Sarkisian, was born on March 8, 1974, in Torrance, California. He is the youngest of seven children and comes from a diverse background, with Armenian and Irish ancestry. His father, Seb Sarkisian, emigrated to the U.S. from Tehran, Iran, and is of Armenian descent, while his mother, Sally, was born in the United States to Irish parents. This multicultural heritage instilled in him a strong work ethic and a grounded perspective.
Sarkisian displayed athletic prowess early on, excelling in both football and baseball at West High School in Torrance. Despite his high school achievements, his initial size did not attract college football scholarship offers. He began his collegiate athletic journey in 1992 at the University of Southern California (USC) as a non-scholarship middle infielder on the Trojans baseball team. After one semester, he transferred to El Camino College, a two-year community college near his hometown, where he continued to play shortstop.
It was at El Camino College that Sarkisian reconnected with football, joining the team as a quarterback after being convinced by head coach John Featherstone, whom he considers his first football mentor. His talent quickly shone through, as he set national junior college season records in passing percentage (.724) and pass efficiency (203.8), earning him the title of Mission Conference Offensive Player of the Year and State of California Offensive Player of the Year. He earned an Associate’s degree in General Studies from El Camino College in 1994.
His impressive performance at El Camino led him to transfer to Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1995. At BYU, Sarkisian continued to excel as a quarterback. In his senior year in 1996, he led the nation in passing efficiency (173.6), which was the fourth-best mark in NCAA history at the time. He guided the Cougars to a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championship and a victory in the 1997 Cotton Bowl, where he threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes to secure a comeback win. BYU finished that season with an impressive 14-1 record, ranking fifth nationally, becoming the first Division I-A team in NCAA history to win 14 games in a single season. Sarkisian was recognized as the WAC Offensive Player of the Year and earned Second-team All-America honors, in addition to winning the prestigious Sammy Baugh Trophy as the nation’s top passer. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from BYU in 1997.
Steve Sarkisian’s Career
Steve Sarkisian’s journey in football encompasses both a playing career and an extensive coaching career, marked by a steady ascent through collegiate and professional ranks. After his successful collegiate career at BYU, Sarkisian played professionally for three seasons, from 1997 to 1999, as a quarterback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was a starter in the 1999 season, but the team’s dismal 3-15 record led him to end his playing career.
Early Coaching Stints and Rise at USC
Sarkisian’s coaching career began in 2000 when he returned to El Camino College as a quarterbacks coach. The following year, he joined his former offensive coordinator at BYU, Norm Chow, on Pete Carroll‘s staff at USC. Sarkisian served as an offensive assistant in 2001 and then as quarterbacks coach from 2002 to 2003, where he mentored Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. In 2004, he ventured into the NFL as the quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders, where his team compiled over 4,000 passing yards.
He returned to USC in 2005, taking on the role of assistant head coach while continuing as quarterbacks coach. From 2007 to 2008, he was promoted to assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, further establishing his reputation as an offensive innovator and quarterback guru. During his tenure as offensive coordinator, the Trojans achieved a 23-3 record. His work with Mark Sanchez in 2008, transforming him into a superstar, was particularly notable.
Head Coaching Roles at Washington and USC
In December 2008, Sarkisian accepted his first head coaching position at the University of Washington, a program he led from 2009 to 2013. During his time with the Huskies, he posted an overall record of 34-29 and secured eight wins against Associated Press Top 25 teams. His tenure at Washington saw him develop nine NFL draftees, including quarterback Jake Locker.
In December 2013, Sarkisian made the decision to return to USC as the head coach, aiming to restore the program’s winning tradition after NCAA sanctions. He took on play-calling duties as the de facto offensive coordinator. However, his second stint at USC was cut short. He was placed on indefinite leave in October 2015 after displaying erratic behavior at a team meeting and missing practice, following earlier incidents where he appeared intoxicated at a booster event. USC subsequently terminated him for cause, citing alcohol impairing his job performance.
NFL and Return to Dominance at Alabama
Following his departure from USC, Sarkisian began a period of personal and professional rehabilitation, eventually joining Nick Saban’s staff at the University of Alabama as an offensive analyst in 2016. This proved to be a pivotal move, allowing him to learn from one of college football’s most successful coaches and rebuild his career. He briefly served as Alabama’s interim offensive coordinator for the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
From 2017 to 2018, Sarkisian served as the offensive coordinator for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. After two seasons, he returned to Alabama in 2019 as the offensive coordinator. During his second stint with the Crimson Tide, he was the architect of an offense that scored 35 or more points in 24 consecutive games, a major college football record. He coached star quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones, winning the Broyles Award in 2020 as the nation’s top assistant coach and the FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year award. He played a crucial role in Alabama’s 2020 National Championship victory over Ohio State.
Head Coach of the Texas Longhorns
On January 2, 2021, Steve Sarkisian was named the 31st head football coach at the University of Texas at Austin. He immediately embarked on the task of revitalizing the storied Longhorns program. After a 5-7 record in his first season (2021), Sarkisian led Texas to an 8-5 record in 2022 and a remarkable 12-2 record in 2023, clinching the Big 12 Championship and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. The 2023 season marked the first time the Longhorns had won 12 games under Sarkisian’s guidance.
Entering the 2025 season, Sarkisian boasts a 38-17 record in his four seasons at Texas and an overall head coaching record of 84-52 across 11 seasons. The 2024 season saw Texas achieve a 13-3 record, matching a school record for wins and securing consecutive top-five national rankings, a feat not seen since 2008-09. His leadership has positioned the Longhorns as consistent contenders for national championships, especially as they transition into the SEC.
Steve Sarkisian Personal Life & Family
Steve Sarkisian’s personal life has been as dynamic as his professional journey. Born the youngest of seven children in Torrance, California, family and a strong sense of community have always been central to his upbringing. He is of Armenian and Irish descent, with his father, Seb, having immigrated from Iran and his mother, Sally, having Irish roots. Sarkisian is a practicing Catholic.
Sarkisian was first married to Stephanie Sarkisian, whom he met in high school. They tied the knot in 1997, and their marriage lasted 18 years, concluding in a divorce in 2015. Together, they have three children: two daughters, Ashley and Taylor, and a son, Brady. Despite their public separation, Steve and Stephanie have maintained a commitment to co-parenting and supporting their children.
Their eldest child, Ashley, is a distinguished graduate of New York University (2024), holding a major in international relations and minors in Spanish and Portuguese. She also served as captain of her high school volleyball and beach volleyball teams and has given a TEDx talk on modern technology consumption. Their son, Brady Sarkisian, is making his own mark in football, joining the University of Texas as a three-star linebacker/edge rusher walk-on in 2023, while majoring in sociology. This unique situation provides Steve Sarkisian with the rare opportunity to coach his own son. Taylor Sarkisian, the youngest of the three, has maintained a more private profile, though she also played volleyball at the University of Washington.
In 2020, Steve Sarkisian married Loreal Smith, a former collegiate track star and coach whom he had known from their time at USC. Loreal quickly became a recognizable figure, often referred to as the “First Lady of Texas Football” due to her vibrant personality and distinctive game-day fashion sense. She launched her own styling business in 2017 and is a regular presence at Longhorns games, actively supporting her husband and the team.
In July 2024, Steve and Loreal Sarkisian jointly announced plans to file for divorce, citing difficulties in prioritizing their relationship due to demanding career commitments. However, the couple subsequently reconciled their differences. In April 2025, they announced the joyous arrival of their first child together, a son named Amays. Loreal shared that the pregnancy had been challenging but expressed gratitude for their healthy baby. The Sarkisian family, including baby Amays, continue to be a visible and supportive presence at Texas Longhorns games, marking a new chapter in Steve Sarkisian’s personal life.
Awards and Achievements of Steve Sarkisian
Steve Sarkisian’s distinguished career as both a player and coach has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades:
- Sammy Baugh Trophy (1996): Awarded to the nation’s top passer during his time at BYU.
- WAC Offensive Player of the Year (1996): Recognized for his outstanding performance as a quarterback at BYU.
- Second-team All-American (1996): Honors for his collegiate playing career at BYU.
- Broyles Award (2020): Honored as the nation’s top assistant coach during his tenure as Offensive Coordinator at Alabama.
- FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year (2020): Voted on by previous winners of the award.
- College Football Playoff National Championship (2020): Won as Offensive Coordinator with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
- Big 12 Championship (2023): Led the Texas Longhorns to a conference title.
- Big 12 Coach of the Year (2023): Recognized for his leadership and the Longhorns’ success.
- Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Finalist: Nominated for this prestigious coaching award.
- East-West Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame (2024): Inducted for his participation and achievements.
- Developed Heisman-winning Quarterbacks: Coached Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart at USC as quarterbacks coach.
- Mentored NFL Quarterbacks: Guided numerous NFL signal-callers, including Mark Sanchez, John David Booty, Matt Cassel, Tua Tagovailoa, and Mac Jones.
- Program Revitalization: Credited with revitalizing the University of Washington and significantly elevating the Texas Longhorns football program to national prominence.
Steve Sarkisian Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Steve Sarkisian’s net worth is estimated to be $74.2 million. This substantial wealth is primarily derived from his lucrative coaching contracts and various football-related income streams throughout his career.
His annual salary for 2025 is $10.8 million, positioning him as one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. Sarkisian signed a contract extension with the University of Texas that guarantees him $86.75 million through 2031. This deal includes annual raises of $100,000, with his salary projected to reach $12.3 million by 2030. Beyond his base salary, his contract is structured with performance-based incentives that can add up to $1.85 million per year. For instance, in 2024, he earned an additional $750,000 for reaching the College Football Playoff semifinal and $150,000 for appearing in the SEC Championship Game. The agreement also reportedly includes perks such as private jet hours, luxury vehicles, and club memberships.
His financial success reflects his significant contributions and achievements in the demanding world of college football, especially after transforming the Texas program and guiding them to a Big 12 title and College Football Playoff appearances.
Legacy and Influence
Steve Sarkisian’s legacy in American football is characterized by his resilience, offensive innovation, and profound impact on the players and programs he has led. He is widely recognized as an offensive mastermind and a gifted developer of quarterback talent, a reputation cemented by his work with Heisman winners at USC and NFL-bound signal-callers at Alabama. His ability to craft high-powered offenses has consistently translated into success on the field, leading teams to significant victories and championships.
Beyond the Xs and Os, Sarkisian’s personal journey of overcoming challenges, particularly his highly publicized departure from USC due to alcohol-related issues, has shaped his public image as a “second-chance success story.” His commitment to rehabilitation and subsequent resurgence under Nick Saban at Alabama demonstrated a profound capacity for personal and professional growth. This narrative of perseverance resonates deeply within the sports community and beyond, highlighting the importance of accountability and redemption.
At the University of Texas, Sarkisian has quickly established a transformative legacy. He has not only revitalized the Longhorns program but has also instilled a culture of hard work and determination, guiding them back to national contention and securing a Big 12 Championship. His influence extends to his players, many of whom have credited his coaching with their development and success, with numerous Longhorns being selected in the NFL Draft under his guidance. Sarkisian’s blend of strategic thinking and passionate leadership continues to inspire both his team and the broader college football landscape.
Interesting Facts about Steve Sarkisian
- Steve Sarkisian is the youngest of seven children, giving him a large family background.
- He initially began his collegiate athletic career as a baseball player, a non-scholarship middle infielder at USC, before transitioning back to football at El Camino College.
- During his highly successful playing career at BYU in 1996, he was featured on the cover of TV Guide.
- His career passing efficiency rating of 162.0 ranked 18th on the all-time NCAA list when he concluded his playing days.
- While head coach at the University of Washington, he earned the nickname “Seven Win Steve” due to the team’s consistent performance around a .500 win-loss record.
- Sarkisian is a devout Catholic.
- His son, Brady Sarkisian, is a walk-on linebacker for the Texas Longhorns, giving Steve the unique experience of coaching his own child.
- His wife, Loreal Sarkisian, is a notable fashion influencer known as the “First Lady of Texas Football” for her distinctive game-day attire and active support.
- He is an avid collector of baseball caps.
Controversies
- Steve Sarkisian is the youngest of seven children, giving him a large family background.
- He initially began his collegiate athletic career as a baseball player, a non-scholarship middle infielder at USC, before transitioning back to football at El Camino College.
- During his highly successful playing career at BYU in 1996, he was featured on the cover of TV Guide.
- His career passing efficiency rating of 162.0 ranked 18th on the all-time NCAA list when he concluded his playing days.
- While head coach at the University of Washington, he earned the nickname “Seven Win Steve” due to the team’s consistent performance around a .500 win-loss record.
- Sarkisian is a devout Catholic.
- His son, Brady Sarkisian, is a walk-on linebacker for the Texas Longhorns, giving Steve the unique experience of coaching his own child.
- His wife, Loreal Sarkisian, is a notable fashion influencer known as the “First Lady of Texas Football” for her distinctive game-day attire and active support.
- He is an avid collector of baseball caps.
Controversies
Steve Sarkisian’s career has faced significant challenges, most notably his high-profile dismissal from USC and a more recent, albeit resolved, personal issue.
USC Firing and Legal Battle (2015)
In October 2015, Steve Sarkisian was terminated from his position as head coach at the University of Southern California (USC) due to alcohol-related issues. The controversy began in August 2015 when he appeared to be intoxicated at the “Salute to Troy” booster event, where he slurred his words, insulted opponents, and used inappropriate language. Sarkisian initially attributed this behavior to mixing “not much” alcohol with an unspecified medication and publicly stated he would seek counseling and abstain from alcohol for the remainder of the season.
However, the situation escalated. In October, reports surfaced that Sarkisian appeared intoxicated at a team meeting and subsequently failed to show up for practice. USC Athletic Director Pat Haden placed him on indefinite leave, stating that Sarkisian was “not healthy,” and soon after, announced his termination for cause, citing that his use of alcohol impaired his job performance.
Following his dismissal, Sarkisian filed a lawsuit against USC, seeking $30 million and alleging wrongful termination based on disability discrimination, as California law recognizes alcoholism as a disability. He claimed that USC breached his contract by firing him without cause and failed to accommodate his disability. USC, in response, disputed Sarkisian’s claims, stating that he never admitted to having an alcohol problem or requested accommodation, instead blaming marital stress, lack of sleep, and anxiety. Reports also suggested that Sarkisian’s alcohol issues may have dated back to his time as head coach at Washington, with former players noting the smell of alcohol on his breath and an expense report showing multiple hard liquor shots and beers ordered before noon. This period marked a significant personal and professional crisis, which Sarkisian later worked to overcome through rehabilitation and by rebuilding his career.
Brief Divorce Filing and Reconciliation (2024)
In July 2024, Steve Sarkisian and his second wife, Loreal Smith, jointly announced their decision to file for divorce. The couple released a statement via social media, explaining that their “commitments to our respective careers made it difficult to prioritize time for each other” and that they aimed to remain friends. However, they later reconciled their differences and remained together. This reconciliation was publicly confirmed with the announcement of the birth of their son, Amays, in April 2025.
Social Media Presence
Steve Sarkisian maintains a public profile across social media platforms, primarily on Instagram, where he shares updates related to his coaching career and glimpses into his personal life. As of August 15, 2025, his Instagram account (@steve.sarkisian) boasts 101,000 followers. His wife, Loreal Sarkisian, also has a significant online presence, with an impressive 133,000 followers across her social media channels, where she frequently shares her distinctive game-day fashion and family updates. His children, Ashley and Brady, also utilize social media to share family milestones and athletic achievements, contributing to the family’s overall online visibility.
Final Words about Steve Sarkisian
Steve Sarkisian stands today as a testament to resilience, strategic brilliance, and the power of second chances in the competitive world of American football. As of August 2025, he is firmly entrenched as the head coach of the University of Texas Longhorns, leading the program through a period of remarkable resurgence and into a new era within the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His current status as a top-tier coach is a culmination of years of dedication, marked by both triumphs and significant personal challenges, which he has openly addressed and overcome.
Sarkisian’s legacy is continuously being written, characterized by his reputation as an offensive innovator and a masterful developer of quarterback talent. He has proven his ability to build and sustain winning programs, transforming the Longhorns into a national championship contender and instilling a culture of success and integrity. His future plans are undoubtedly centered on bringing a national championship to Austin, solidifying his place among college football’s elite. Beyond the wins and accolades, his journey reflects a powerful narrative of growth, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the sport he loves.
