Steve Sarkisian is the head coach of the Texas Longhorns and one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. This guide covers his full bio, his net worth, his salary, and his road from BYU quarterback to SEC head coach. You will also find his year by year record at Texas, his recruiting success, his wife Loreal, his kids, and his comeback story. Every detail here is fresh for 2026.
Steve Sarkisian Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephen Ambrose Sarkisian |
| Nickname | Sark |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1974 |
| Age | 52 years old |
| Birthplace | Torrance, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Heritage | Armenian and Irish |
| Profession | College Football Head Coach |
| Current Team | Texas Longhorns |
| College | Brigham Young University (BYU) |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Spouse | Loreal Sarkisian (m. 2020) |
| Children | Taylor, Ashley, Brady, and Amays |
| 2026 Salary | $10.3 million per year |
| Net Worth | Around $10 million to $35 million |
| Known For | Texas Longhorns head coach, BYU QB legend |
Who Is Steve Sarkisian?
Steve Sarkisian is an American football coach. He leads the Texas Longhorns as head coach. Before Texas, he worked as offensive coordinator for Alabama and the Atlanta Falcons. He also coached at USC and Washington earlier in his career.
Here are some quick facts about him:
- He played quarterback at BYU and won the Sammy Baugh Trophy in 1996.
- He is one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
- He led Texas to a Big 12 title and back-to-back College Football Playoff runs.
- He is married to fashion stylist Loreal Sarkisian.
- He has four kids from two marriages.
Early Life and Playing Career
Steve Sarkisian was born on March 8, 1974, in Torrance, California. His family has Armenian and Irish roots. He grew up in a large household with six siblings, which gave him an early lesson in teamwork.
He played quarterback in high school and then at El Camino College. From there, he transferred to BYU. In 1996, he had a standout season and won the Sammy Baugh Trophy as the top quarterback in college football. He also earned a degree in sociology from BYU, which still shapes how he talks about leadership and locker room culture today.
Steve Sarkisian: Key Career Milestones
For readers who want the big picture in one place, here is a quick timeline of the moments that shaped his career:
- 1974: Born in Torrance, California
- 1996: Wins the Sammy Baugh Trophy as BYU’s starting quarterback
- 2001 to 2008: Rises through the coaching ranks at USC under Pete Carroll
- 2009: Becomes head coach at the University of Washington
- 2014: Returns to USC as head coach and lands the No. 1 recruiting class for 2015
- 2015: Steps away from USC during the season to focus on his health
- 2016: Joins the Atlanta Falcons as offensive coordinator
- 2019: Becomes offensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban
- 2020: Marries Loreal Sarkisian
- 2021: Named head coach of the Texas Longhorns
- 2023: Wins the first Big 12 Championship in Texas history and reaches the CFP
- 2024: Leads Texas to the CFP again in its first season in the SEC
- 2025: Welcomes son Amays with Loreal
- 2026: Enters his sixth season at Texas, chasing a national title
Steve Sarkisian’s Coaching Career
From USC to Washington
After his playing days ended, Sarkisian moved straight into coaching. He joined USC under head coach Pete Carroll, first as a quarterbacks coach and later as offensive coordinator. The USC offense during this stretch was one of the most feared units in the country.
In 2009, Sarkisian landed his first head coaching job at the University of Washington. He stayed there through 2013 and helped turn a struggling program into a regular bowl team. This run built his name as a coach who could fix broken offenses.
A Tough Chapter and a Strong Comeback
In 2014, Sarkisian returned to USC as head coach. His first season went well, and his 2015 recruiting class was ranked number one in the country. But his second season ended early due to personal struggles with alcohol, and he has since spoken openly about that period and the work he put into his recovery.
He joined the Atlanta Falcons as offensive coordinator in 2016. Then in 2019, he became offensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban. Many fans see this stretch as one of the best comeback stories in football, and it set the stage for his return to a head coaching chair.
Steve Sarkisian’s Coaching Record at Each Stop
| Team | Years | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Huskies | 2009 to 2013 | 34-29 overall, 4 bowl trips, upset No. 3 USC in 2009 |
| USC Trojans | 2014 to 2015 | Won the 2014 Holiday Bowl, landed the No. 1 recruiting class for 2015 |
| Texas Longhorns | 2021 to 2025 | 48-20 overall, Big 12 title in 2023, two CFP semifinal runs |
Here is a quick look at his full coaching journey:
| Years | Team | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 to 2008 | USC | QB Coach, then Offensive Coordinator |
| 2009 to 2013 | Washington Huskies | Head Coach |
| 2014 to 2015 | USC | Head Coach |
| 2016 to 2018 | Atlanta Falcons | Offensive Coordinator |
| 2019 to 2020 | Alabama Crimson Tide | Offensive Coordinator |
| 2021 to Present | Texas Longhorns | Head Coach |
Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns
Building a Championship Roster
Texas hired Steve Sarkisian as head coach in January 2021. He took over a program coming off a 5-7 season and went to work right away on the roster, the coaching staff, and the team culture. Within three years, Texas was back in the national title conversation.
His system leans on a strong passing game and sharp quarterback development. Under his watch, Texas has sent a steady stream of players to the NFL Draft, including six picks in the 2026 draft alone. He has also pushed academics, and the program set a new team GPA record of 3.36 in spring 2026.
Steve Sarkisian’s Offensive Scheme Explained
When Sarkisian arrived at Texas, his offense ran out of a spread look built for speed and quick passing. As the roster filled with bigger, more physical players, the offense shifted toward what is often called a pro spread style. This blends spread formations with pro-style run concepts and play action.
This shift fits Arch Manning’s skill set well. It gives him a mix of quick throws, deep shots, and designed runs, while still leaning on a strong offensive line. Defensive coordinators around the SEC have called it one of the hardest systems to prepare for because it can attack in so many ways.
Steve Sarkisian’s Year-by-Year Record at Texas
| Season | Record | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5-7 | First year rebuild under Sarkisian |
| 2022 | 8-5 | Won the Alamo Bowl |
| 2023 | 12-2 | Big 12 champion, lost CFP semifinal to Washington |
| 2024 | 13-3 | Reached CFP semifinal, lost to Ohio State |
| 2025 | 10-3 | Won the Citrus Bowl, finished No. 12 in the AP poll |
Inside the 2023 and 2024 Playoff Runs
The 2023 season was the turning point of the Sarkisian era. Texas finished 12-2, beat Oklahoma State 49-21 in the Big 12 Championship Game, and earned the program’s first Big 12 title. The Longhorns then entered the College Football Playoff as the No. 3 seed before falling to Washington 37-31 in the Sugar Bowl semifinal.
In 2024, Texas joined the SEC and kept rolling. The team went 13-3 and made the CFP for a second straight year. Texas reached the Cotton Bowl semifinal against Ohio State but came up short again. Even so, the season produced 12 NFL Draft picks in 2025, a sign of how deep the roster had become.
Steve Sarkisian’s Recruiting Strategy and Success
Recruiting is one of the biggest reasons Texas has climbed back to the top. When Sarkisian arrived in 2021, his first class ranked just 15th nationally. Since then, the climb has been steady and fast.
- 2022 class: ranked 5th nationally
- 2023 class: ranked 3rd nationally
- 2024 class: ranked in the top 5
- 2025 class: ranked No. 1 in the nation, with four five-star signees
- 2026 class: ranked in the top 10, called one of the deepest groups of the Sarkisian era
Sarkisian also keeps a strong focus on homegrown talent. More than half of his recent classes have come from inside Texas. On top of high school recruiting, his staff has used the transfer portal wisely. Players like Matthew Golden, Isaiah Bond, and Andrew Mukuba arrived through the portal and became key pieces of the 2024 CFP run.
Why Steve Sarkisian Is Known as a Quarterback Whisperer
One thing stands out across Steve Sarkisian’s career. He has a strong record of making quarterbacks better. At Alabama, he helped Jalen Milroe grow into a dual threat star. In Texas, he turned Quinn Ewers into a top NFL Draft prospect and is now guiding Arch Manning through his rise to one of the most-watched players in college football.
His system gives quarterbacks clear reads and simple decisions early, then adds layers as they grow. Coaches around the SEC often point to this as the reason Texas keeps producing first-round talent. For recruits and transfer portal players, this reputation has become a major selling point.
Sarkisian also leans on a deep coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Kyle Flood and co-offensive coordinator A.J. Milwee have been with him since the start at Texas. This kind of staff stability is rare in college football and is a big reason Texas has stayed near the top of the rankings.
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Steve Sarkisian’s Leadership Style and Coaching Philosophy
Sarkisian often talks about the gap between being good and being a champion. After the 2025 season fell short of expectations, he told reporters the team came to Texas to compete for championships and did not get the job done. His message to the team was simple: get back to work.
That mindset carries into how he runs the program day to day. He builds his offense around clear roles, so players know exactly what is asked of them. His background in sociology shows up in how he talks about culture, accountability, and team identity.
He also believes individual success follows team success. This is why Sarkisian often highlights the whole unit, not just star players, when he talks to the media. It is part of why his locker room has stayed loyal even through tough seasons.
Steve Sarkisian’s Net Worth and Salary in 2026
Steve Sarkisian signed a major contract extension after the 2023 season. This deal runs through 2030. As of 2026, his salary is reported at $10.3 million per year, which puts him among the top earners in the SEC.
His net worth is harder to pin down. Different sources give numbers between $10 million and $35 million. This wide range comes from his long coaching career, his playing background, and bonuses tied to wins and championships.
| Year | Reported Salary |
|---|---|
| 2009 (Washington) | $1.75 million |
| 2018 (Alabama, assistant) | $1.55 million |
| 2021 (Texas, year one) | Around $5.3 million |
| 2024 to 2030 (Texas extension) | $10.3 million per year |
Steve Sarkisian’s Family: Wife, Kids, and Personal Life
Steve Sarkisian was married to Stephanie Sarkisian from 1997 to 2016. They have three children together: Taylor, Ashley, and Brady. Brady later joined the Texas Longhorns as a walk-on linebacker, giving Sarkisian the rare chance to coach his own son on the field.
In 2020, Sarkisian married Loreal Sarkisian, a fashion stylist often called the “First Lady of Texas Football.” The couple briefly filed for divorce in 2024 but reconciled by the end of that year. In April 2025, they welcomed their first child together, a son named Amays.
Loreal is well known for her bold game day outfits at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. She also works as a stylist for high-profile clients outside of football, including appearances at major fashion events. Together, the Sarkisian family blends football season with Loreal’s growing fashion career.
Awards and Achievements
Steve Sarkisian has built a strong list of honors across his playing and coaching career:
- Sammy Baugh Trophy (1996), awarded to the nation’s top college quarterback
- First Big 12 Championship in Texas program history (2023)
- Back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances with Texas (2023 and 2024)
- AP Big 12 Coach of the Year recognition
- No. 1 national recruiting class for the 2025 cycle
- Helped Alabama reach the College Football Playoff as offensive coordinator in 2020
Final Thoughts on Steve Sarkisian
Steve Sarkisian’s career is more than a list of wins and losses. It is a story about falling down hard and finding a way back. From a Sammy Baugh Trophy winner to a head coach who lost his job, to one of the best-paid coaches in the country, his path shows real growth on and off the field.
Texas fans now view him as the coach who brought the program back to the top of college football. With Arch Manning leading the offense and a loaded, top-ranked roster heading into 2026, the Sarkisian era at Texas may still be building toward its best years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Steve Sarkisian?
Steve Sarkisian was born on March 8, 1974. As of 2026, he is 52 years old.
What is Steve Sarkisian’s net worth?
Estimates vary across sources, but most place his net worth between $10 million and $35 million.
What is Steve Sarkisian’s salary at Texas?
He earns $10.3 million per year under his current contract, which runs through the 2030 season.
What is Steve Sarkisian’s coaching record at Texas?
Since 2021, Sarkisian has gone 48-20 at Texas, including a Big 12 title in 2023 and CFP appearances in both 2023 and 2024.
Has Texas won a championship under Steve Sarkisian?
Yes. Texas won its first-ever Big 12 Championship under Sarkisian in 2023 and has reached the College Football Playoff twice.
Who is Steve Sarkisian’s wife?
He is married to Loreal Sarkisian, a fashion stylist known for her game day style. They married in 2020 and share one son, Amays.
How many kids does Steve Sarkisian have?
He has four children. Taylor, Ashley, and Brady are from his first marriage to Stephanie. Amays is from his marriage to Loreal.
What college did Steve Sarkisian play football for?
He played quarterback at Brigham Young University and won the Sammy Baugh Trophy in 1996.
Will Steve Sarkisian coach Texas in 2026?
Yes. He enters his sixth season as Texas head coach in 2026, working under a contract that runs through 2030.
What offense does Steve Sarkisian run at Texas?
Texas runs a pro spread offense under Sarkisian. It mixes spread formations with pro-style run concepts, built to fit quarterbacks like Arch Manning.
Where did Steve Sarkisian coach before Texas?
Before Texas, he was the offensive coordinator at Alabama and the Atlanta Falcons. He was also the head coach at USC and Washington earlier in his career.
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