Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns football team, has recently made headlines due to his significant contributions to the program and his steadfast commitment to the university. In January 2025, Sarkisian agreed to a new seven-year contract extension, solidifying his position through the 2031 season and making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. This decision came after he declined interviews with two NFL teams, emphasizing his dedication to Texas.
Under Sarkisian’s leadership, the Longhorns have experienced a resurgence. He guided the team to back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinal appearances, including a notable victory over Michigan in September 2024. In that game, Texas secured a 31-12 win, marking their largest road victory over a top-10 opponent since 1979. Following this success, Sarkisian cautioned his team against complacency, referencing Notre Dame’s unexpected loss to Northern Illinois as a reminder of the unpredictability of college football.
Sarkisian’s coaching philosophy emphasizes a balanced offensive approach. While the season began with a focus on passing, the Longhorns shifted to a more run-heavy offense as the playoffs approached. This strategic adjustment was evident in a playoff game against Clemson, where Texas amassed 292 rushing yards, underscoring the importance of a strong ground game in postseason play.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Sarkisian has a personal story of resilience. In 2020, during his tenure as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, a routine physical revealed a life-threatening heart aneurysm. Prompt medical intervention, prompted by Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s insistence on the physical, led to successful open-heart surgery. Sarkisian has since expressed profound gratitude to Saban, acknowledging that the mandated physical likely saved his life.
On the personal front, Sarkisian and his wife, Loreal Smith, have been in the spotlight. Loreal, a former collegiate track star and coach, is known for her stylish gameday outfits and has been dubbed the “First Lady of Texas Longhorn Football.” The couple married in 2020 after meeting at the University of Southern California, where Steve was the head football coach and Loreal was an assistant coach for the track and field team. In July 2024, they announced their separation to focus on their respective careers but reconciled by December 2024.
Sarkisian’s coaching career is marked by a series of notable positions. Before joining Texas, he served as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL and held coaching roles at the University of Washington and the University of Southern California. His diverse experience across both collegiate and professional football has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the game, contributing to his success at Texas.
Looking ahead, Sarkisian remains focused on maintaining the Longhorns’ upward trajectory. Despite interest from NFL teams, he has reiterated his commitment to Texas, aiming to build on the program’s recent successes and striving for a national championship. His leadership continues to inspire confidence among players, fans, and the university community, as the Longhorns aim to solidify their place among college football’s elite programs.
