AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Texas at Austin named Steve Sarkisian, currently the offensive coordinator of Alabama Crimson Tide, coach of the Longhorn football team. He replaces Tom Herman, who was released earlier today.
Sarkisian has a strong track record as an offensive coordinator and head coach in Division I college football and the NFL. He also brings to the Longhorn football program extensive experience as a coach in national conference and championship games and in the development of great talents, including three Heisman Trophy finalists.
“On January 4, 2006, I was the USC’s quarterback coach when we played Texas in that famous national championship game. There was always something special about Longhorn football, its history and traditions – not just that day – and I I could never have imagined that, 15 years later, I would join the Longhorns as head coach, “commented Sarkisian. “This is a unique and attractive opportunity to take this historic program to the next level, competing once again among the best in college football.”
Sarkisian was named just this week the winner of the Broyles Prize, awarded to the best assistant coach in college football, for helping to lead the Crimson Tide to compete in the 2020 national championship.
“We are excited to have Steve Sarkisian join us and lead the next chapter of our football program,” said Kevin Eltife, chairman of the UT System Board of Regents. “University of Texas football has a long and proud history of competing at the highest levels at our conference and nationally, and it brings with it the coaching caliber and championship experience needed to restore that kind of excellence to our program.”
President Jay Hartzell said: “The hiring of Steve Sarkisian represents a critical investment in the future of our football program, not only for our student athletes, but for the entire Longhorn Nation. Our entire community benefits from an athletics program. healthy and successful, and appointing Steve as our coach infuses our football program with the guidance and experience necessary to drive further success.
Prior to joining Alabama in 2019, Sarkisian spent two years as an offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, four years as an assistant and two as a head coach at the University of Southern California and five years as a head coach at the University of Washington. His head coach record is 46-35 overall and 2-2 in bowling.
“Steve Sarkisian is one of the most offensive minds in football, which he proved several times during his time at USC, Atlanta and, most recently, Alabama,” said Chris Del Conte, vice president and director of athletics at The University of Texas in Austin. “We are confident that our players and coaches will thrive under your leadership and in response to your energy and passion for the game.”