25 Facts About Steve Sarkisian

Early Life and Background

Steve Sarkisian's journey to becoming a prominent football coach is filled with interesting details. Let's explore some lesser-known facts about his early life and background.

1. Born in Torrance, California
   Steve Sarkisian was born on March 8, 1974, in Torrance, California. This city is part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

2. Multi-sport Athlete in High School
   During his high school years, Sarkisian excelled in both football and baseball. His athletic versatility laid the foundation for his future career in sports.

3. Started College at El Camino College
   Before transferring to a major university, Sarkisian began his college football career at El Camino College, a community college in Torrance.

4. Transferred to BYU
   After two years at El Camino, Sarkisian transferred to Brigham Young University (BYU). He played quarterback for the BYU Cougars, where he made a significant impact.

College Football Career

Steve Sarkisian's college football career is marked by impressive achievements and memorable moments. Here are some key facts about his time as a player.

5. Set Records at BYU
   While at BYU, Sarkisian set several school records, including the highest single-season passing efficiency rating in NCAA history at that time.

6. Led BYU to a 14-1 Record
   In 1996, Sarkisian led the BYU Cougars to a 14-1 record, culminating in a victory at the Cotton Bowl Classic.

7. Named WAC Offensive Player of the Year
   His outstanding performance in 1996 earned him the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Offensive Player of the Year award.

8. Graduated with a Degree in Sociology
   Sarkisian graduated from BYU with a degree in sociology, showcasing his commitment to academics alongside athletics.

Professional Playing Career

Though his professional playing career was brief, it still holds some interesting facts worth noting.

9. Played in the Canadian Football League (CFL)
   After college, Sarkisian played briefly in the CFL for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

10. Transitioned to Coaching
    Realizing his potential as a coach, Sarkisian transitioned from playing to coaching, a move that would define his career.

Coaching Career Beginnings

Steve Sarkisian's coaching career began with humble beginnings but quickly gained momentum. Here are some facts about his early coaching days.

11. Started as a Quarterbacks Coach at El Camino College
    Sarkisian's first coaching job was as a quarterbacks coach at his alma mater, El Camino College.

12. Joined USC as an Offensive Assistant
    In 2001, Sarkisian joined the University of Southern California (USC) as an offensive assistant, marking his entry into major college football coaching.

13. Promoted to Quarterbacks Coach at USC
    His talent was quickly recognized, and he was promoted to quarterbacks coach at USC, where he worked with future NFL stars like Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart.

14. Brief Stint with the Oakland Raiders
    In 2004, Sarkisian spent a season as the quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders in the NFL.

Head Coaching Roles

Sarkisian's head coaching roles have been pivotal in shaping his career. Let's delve into some key facts about his time as a head coach.

15. First Head Coaching Job at Washington
    In 2009, Sarkisian became the head coach at the University of Washington, where he worked to rebuild the struggling program.

16. Improved Washington's Record
    Under his leadership, Washington's football program saw significant improvement, culminating in a bowl game appearance in 2010.

17. Returned to USC as Head Coach
    In 2014, Sarkisian returned to USC, this time as the head coach. His tenure, however, was cut short due to personal issues.

18. Rehabilitation and Return to Coaching
    After addressing his personal challenges, Sarkisian made a successful return to coaching, demonstrating resilience and determination.

Recent Coaching Success

Steve Sarkisian's recent coaching success has solidified his reputation as a top-tier coach. Here are some notable facts about his recent achievements.

19. Joined Alabama as an Offensive Analyst
    In 2016, Sarkisian joined the University of Alabama as an offensive analyst, working under legendary coach Nick Saban.

20. Promoted to Offensive Coordinator at Alabama
    His expertise earned him a promotion to offensive coordinator at Alabama, where he played a crucial role in the team's success.

21. Won a National Championship with Alabama
    In 2020, Sarkisian helped lead Alabama to a national championship, further cementing his legacy.

22. Named Head Coach at the University of Texas
    In January 2021, Sarkisian was named the head coach at the University of Texas, taking on the challenge of revitalizing the Longhorns' football program.

Personal Life

Beyond the football field, Steve Sarkisian's personal life offers some interesting insights. Here are a few facts about his life off the gridiron.

23. Father of Three
    Sarkisian is a proud father of three children, balancing his demanding career with family life.

24. Advocate for Mental Health
    After overcoming personal challenges, Sarkisian has become an advocate for mental health awareness, using his platform to support others facing similar struggles.

25. Passionate About Golf
    In his free time, Sarkisian enjoys playing golf, a hobby that provides relaxation and a break from the high-pressure world of football coaching.

Final Thoughts on Steve Sarkisian

Steve Sarkisian's journey through football is nothing short of fascinating. From his days as a standout quarterback to his current role as head coach, he's seen it all. His career has had its ups and downs, but his resilience and passion for the game are undeniable. Sarkisian's ability to bounce back from setbacks and lead teams to success speaks volumes about his character and dedication. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just curious about his story, there's no denying that Steve Sarkisian is a significant figure in the world of sports. His journey serves as a reminder that perseverance and hard work can lead to remarkable achievements. Keep an eye on Sarkisian as he continues to make waves in the football world. His story is far from over, and there's no telling what he'll accomplish next.