When Steve Sarkisian accepted the head coaching job at the University of Texas in January 2021, it was a leap of faith. He didn’t visit the campus. He didn’t take a tour of the facilities. In his words, he simply looked up Austin on Google Maps. But what he saw was an opportunity, a chance to restore the glory of one of college football’s most iconic programs.
Four seasons later, Sarkisian has done just that, transforming Texas into a perennial title contender while building a culture rooted in discipline, accountability, and passion.
Steve Sarkisian on What Makes College Football a True Passion: A Game Where Every Moment Matters
Sarkisian joined the Longhorns fresh off a national championship run as the offensive coordinator at Alabama. But his first year at Texas was far from triumphant. The Longhorns finished with a disappointing 5–7 record, blew six second-half leads, and failed to have a single player drafted into the NFL. “We had a culture issue,” Sarkisian said in a recent interview. “We lacked accountability. We were entitled. It was about me, not about serving others.”
That moment of honesty sparked a fundamental shift in the program’s direction. Sarkisian understood that fixing the culture had to come before chasing wins. “We want to acquire talent, we want to retain talent, but at the end of the day, it wasn’t a talent issue. It was a culture issue,” he emphasized.
Fast forward to 2025, and the transformation is undeniable. Texas has made back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff and is considered one of the favorites to win the national championship this season. What’s changed? Sarkisian says it’s all about the foundation he and his staff have built over the past four years. “These are our guys now. They’ve grown up in our system, with our expectations,” he said.
That growth includes standout names like Arch Manning, Cedric Baxter Jr., and Anthony Hill, players who chose Texas not just for its tradition but also for the vision Sarkisian laid out. And while talent is key, Sarkisian believes what truly makes college football special is the emotional weight carried with every play. “It’s a game where every moment matters,” he said. “You’re playing not just for your team, but for your school, your fans, your legacy.”
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Sarkisian also reflects openly on his journey, including professional and personal adversity. After stepping away from head coaching, he rebuilt his career at Alabama under Nick Saban and even had a stint in the NFL. That experience shaped the leader he is today, one who values second chances, transparency, and growth.
With 2025 underway, Sarkisian is focused on keeping Texas hungry and humble. The Longhorns aren’t just aiming to win, they’re aiming to set a standard for what a modern college football powerhouse looks like. “We have something to show for it now,” he said. “But we’re not done.”
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