Steve Sarkisian Past Teams Coached: Complete Coaching Career, History, and Achievements
Steve Sarkisian is one of the most recognized coaches in American college football, known for his offensive strategies, quarterback development, and ability to rebuild competitive football programs. Throughout his career, he has worked with several respected college football teams and NFL organizations, gaining valuable experience as a quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator, and head coach.
People interested in Steve Sarkisian past teams coached often want to understand how he progressed from his early coaching positions to becoming the head coach of the Texas Longhorns. His professional journey includes important roles at El Camino College, USC, the Oakland Raiders, Washington, Alabama, and the Atlanta Falcons. Each position helped shape his coaching philosophy and strengthen his reputation.
His career has included national championships, difficult professional setbacks, and remarkable achievements. Sarkisian continues leading Texas, where his offensive knowledge and recruiting abilities have helped restore the Longhorns’ national prominence. Understanding his coaching history provides valuable insight into the experience behind his success.
Steve Sarkisian’s Early Life and Football Background
Steve Sarkisian was born on March 8, 1974, in Torrance, California. He developed an interest in football during his school years and eventually pursued a career as a quarterback. After attending West Torrance High School, he continued his education and athletic development at El Camino College. His performances helped him earn an opportunity to play at Brigham Young University, commonly known as BYU.
At BYU, steve sarkisian past teams coached played quarterback under legendary head coach LaVell Edwards. His outstanding 1996 season established him as one of the country’s most productive college quarterbacks. He helped BYU achieve a 14–1 record and secure a Cotton Bowl victory against Kansas State. Sarkisian also earned Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors, demonstrating his understanding of passing systems and offensive execution.
Following college, steve sarkisian past teams coached played professionally for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League from 1997 to 1999. Although his professional playing career was relatively brief, it provided valuable experience working within organized offensive systems. His background as a quarterback eventually influenced his coaching approach, particularly his emphasis on decision-making, passing accuracy, offensive preparation, and communication.
El Camino College and USC: The Beginning of His Coaching Career
steve sarkisian past teams coached began his coaching career in 2000 at El Camino College, serving as quarterbacks coach. Returning to his former college allowed him to share his playing experience with younger athletes while developing practical coaching skills. steve sarkisian past teams coached responsibilities included improving quarterback mechanics, teaching offensive formations, and helping players understand defensive coverage.
In 2001, steve sarkisian past teams coached joined the University of Southern California as a quarterbacks coach under Pete Carroll. USC was building a highly competitive football program, and Sarkisian became part of a coaching environment focused on recruiting talented athletes and developing successful offensive systems. His early work with the Trojans helped him establish professional relationships that would influence his future career.
steve sarkisian past teams coached remained with USC through 2003 before accepting another opportunity in professional football. His first period with the Trojans provided valuable experience working within a major college program. It also allowed him to develop his instructional methods while learning from established coaches. These early responsibilities helped prepare him for more demanding positions involving offensive coordination and team leadership.
Oakland Raiders and Steve Sarkisian’s Return to USC
In 2004, steve sarkisian past teams coached joined the Oakland Raiders as quarterbacks coach. This appointment gave him an opportunity to work in the NFL and gain experience with professional offensive systems. Coaching established quarterbacks required detailed preparation, advanced technical knowledge, and an understanding of the physical and mental demands associated with professional football.
After one season with Oakland, steve sarkisian past teams coached returned to USC in 2005 as quarterbacks coach. The Trojans were enjoying considerable national success, and he worked with talented players, including Matt Leinart. His responsibilities involved developing passing strategies, improving quarterback performance, and preparing offensive players for highly competitive college football games.
Sarkisian’s role expanded in 2007 when he became USC’s assistant head coach and offensive coordinator while continuing to work with quarterbacks. During this period, he contributed to the development of successful offensive units and strengthened his reputation as an effective play-caller. steve sarkisian past teams coached experience under Pete Carroll became an important foundation for his future head coaching opportunities.
Washington Huskies: Steve Sarkisian’s First Head Coaching Position
steve sarkisian past teams coached received his first major head coaching opportunity when Washington hired him in December 2008. steve sarkisian past teams coached inherited a struggling program that had completed the 2008 season without a victory. Rebuilding the Huskies required improvements in recruiting, player development, offensive production, and overall team confidence.
During his first season in 2009, Washington improved to a 5–7 record. The Huskies continued progressing and finished the 2010 season with seven victories, including a Holiday Bowl win against Nebraska. Sarkisian’s offensive system helped Washington become more competitive, while his recruiting efforts attracted talented players capable of contributing to the program’s recovery.
Between 2009 and 2013, steve sarkisian past teams coached compiled a 34–29 record at Washington. steve sarkisian past teams coached worked with notable players such as Jake Locker, Keith Price, and Bishop Sankey. steve sarkisian past teams coached final season included eight regular-season victories before he accepted an opportunity to return to USC. Although Washington did not win a conference championship during his tenure, steve sarkisian past teams coached helped restore stability and established the program as a regular postseason contender.
USC Trojans: His Head Coaching Career and Professional Challenges
In December 2013, Steve Sarkisian returned to USC as head coach. His previous experience with the Trojans made him familiar with the university’s football traditions, recruiting environment, and expectations. The appointment represented an important career achievement and provided an opportunity to lead one of college football’s most recognized programs.
During the 2014 season, steve sarkisian past teams coached guided USC to a 9–4 record, including a Holiday Bowl victory over Nebraska. His offense featured talented players such as quarterback Cody Kessler and wide receiver Nelson Agholor. The Trojans demonstrated considerable offensive potential, and expectations increased heading into the following season.
However, Sarkisian’s second season ended prematurely in October 2015 following concerns surrounding alcohol-related behavior. USC initially placed him on leave before terminating his employment. The dismissal became a significant personal and professional setback. steve sarkisian past teams coached subsequently sought treatment and began rebuilding his coaching career, eventually receiving another opportunity at Alabama under Nick Saban.
Alabama Crimson Tide: Rebuilding His Career and Winning a National Championship
Steve Sarkisian joined Alabama in 2016 as an offensive analyst, working under legendary head coach Nick Saban. The opportunity allowed him to return to college football within a highly structured and successful organization. His responsibilities included studying opposing defenses, assisting offensive preparation, and contributing to the team’s overall strategy.
Sarkisian briefly became Alabama’s offensive coordinator for the national championship game against Clemson in January 2017. Alabama narrowly lost the contest, but the appointment demonstrated Saban’s confidence in his offensive knowledge. Following a period coaching in the NFL, Sarkisian returned to Alabama in 2019 as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
His second period with the Crimson Tide produced remarkable results. Working with players such as Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, DeVonta Smith, and Najee Harris, Sarkisian helped develop one of college football’s most productive offenses. Alabama completed the 2020 season undefeated and defeated Ohio State 52–24 in the national championship game. Sarkisian also received the Broyles Award, recognizing him as the nation’s outstanding assistant coach.
Atlanta Falcons: Steve Sarkisian’s NFL Offensive Coordinator Experience
Steve Sarkisian served as offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons during the 2017 and 2018 NFL seasons. Atlanta hired him following its appearance in Super Bowl LI, giving him responsibility for an established offense featuring quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receiver Julio Jones, and running back Devonta Freeman.
His first season presented challenges as the Falcons adjusted to a new offensive system. Atlanta finished the 2017 regular season with a 10–6 record and reached the playoffs before losing to the Philadelphia Eagles. Sarkisian gained further experience managing professional athletes, coordinating offensive strategies, and preparing game plans against sophisticated NFL defenses.
The Falcons improved offensively during the 2018 season, with Matt Ryan throwing for more than 4,900 yards and 35 touchdowns. However, Atlanta finished with a disappointing 7–9 record, leading to changes within the coaching staff. Sarkisian departed following the season and subsequently returned to Alabama. His NFL experience strengthened his understanding of offensive adaptability, quarterback development, and professional team management.
Texas Longhorns: Steve Sarkisian’s Current Coaching Position
Steve Sarkisian became head coach of the Texas Longhorns in January 2021, replacing Tom Herman. His appointment followed Alabama’s successful national championship campaign and reflected Texas’s ambition to return to national prominence. Sarkisian inherited a program with substantial resources, strong recruiting potential, and high expectations.
His first season proved difficult, with Texas finishing 5–7 in 2021. However, the Longhorns improved to 8–5 in 2022 before achieving a breakthrough in 2023. Texas finished that season with a 12–2 record, won the Big 12 championship, and reached the College Football Playoff. The Longhorns also defeated Alabama during the regular season, demonstrating their ability to compete against elite opponents.
Texas continued progressing in 2024, finishing 13–3 and reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals during its first season in the Southeastern Conference. In 2025, Sarkisian guided the Longhorns to a 10–3 record and a Citrus Bowl victory over Michigan. His Texas record stood at 48–20, reflecting three consecutive seasons with at least ten victories. His leadership has helped establish Texas as a nationally competitive program.
Steve Sarkisian’s Coaching Philosophy and Major Achievements
Steve Sarkisian is widely recognized for his offensive coaching philosophy, particularly his ability to develop quarterbacks and create productive passing systems. His approach combines traditional offensive principles with modern formations, pre-snap movement, play-action passing, and flexible personnel arrangements. He frequently adjusts his strategies according to the strengths of individual players.
Throughout his career, Sarkisian has worked with accomplished quarterbacks, including Matt Leinart, Jake Locker, Matt Ryan, Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, Quinn Ewers, and Arch Manning. His experience across college football and the NFL has helped him understand different defensive systems and the importance of communication between quarterbacks and offensive coordinators. His work with Alabama’s championship-winning offense remains one of his most significant professional achievements.
Recruiting and player development are also central to Sarkisian’s coaching identity. At Washington, he helped rebuild a struggling program, while his work at Alabama demonstrated his ability to maximize elite offensive talent. At Texas, he has emphasized disciplined preparation, strong recruiting classes, and consistent performance. His career reflects the importance of adapting coaching methods while maintaining a clear understanding of offensive fundamentals.
Conclusion
steve sarkisian past teams coached coaching history includes an extensive collection of college football and NFL positions. Beginning at El Camino College, he developed his professional skills through opportunities with USC, the Oakland Raiders, Washington, Alabama, the Atlanta Falcons, and Texas. Each position contributed to his understanding of offensive football, quarterback development, recruiting, and team leadership.
His professional journey has included championship success, difficult setbacks, and an impressive return to prominence. His experiences at Washington and USC helped establish him as a head coach, while his work under Nick Saban at Alabama strengthened his offensive reputation. His subsequent achievements with the Texas Longhorns demonstrated his ability to apply those lessons while leading one of college football’s most recognized programs.