Steve Sarkisian has built an impressive coaching career across college football and the NFL. Known for his offensive expertise, quarterback development, and ability to design creative offensive systems, Sarkisian has worked with several prominent football programs. His coaching journey includes El Camino College, USC, the Oakland Raiders, Washington, Alabama, the Atlanta Falcons, and Texas.
People curious about Steve Sarkisian past teams coached, his career provides an interesting look at how he progressed from a young quarterbacks coach to a head coach at one of college football’s most recognizable programs. Each coaching position gave him new experience and helped shape his approach to offense, player development, recruiting, and leadership.
Steve Sarkisian’s First Coaching Job at El Camino College
Steve Sarkisian began his coaching career in 2000 at El Camino College in California. steve sarkisian past teams coached worked as the quarterbacks coach after previously playing quarterback at the school before transferring to Brigham Young University. His background as a quarterback gave him valuable knowledge that he could use while teaching young players.
His time at El Camino College lasted only one season, but it provided the foundation for his coaching career. The position allowed Sarkisian to develop his teaching methods and gain experience working directly with players. Soon afterward, he moved into major college football, where his career began to gain much greater attention.
His Early Coaching Years at USC
steve sarkisian past teams coached joined the USC Trojans coaching staff in 2001 as quarterbacks coach. USC was a major college football powerhouse, giving him an opportunity to work in a highly competitive environment. His responsibilities included quarterback development, offensive preparation, and helping players understand the team’s offensive system.
After leaving USC for the NFL in 2004, steve sarkisian past teams coached returned to the Trojans in 2005. He eventually became offensive coordinator and assistant head coach. His work at USC helped establish him as a talented offensive coach and gave him experience with highly recruited players and future professional athletes.
Steve Sarkisian and the Oakland Raiders
In 2004, steve sarkisian past teams coached entered the NFL coaching world when he became quarterbacks coach of the Oakland Raiders. This was his first major experience coaching professional football players. The position allowed him to learn about the different demands of NFL preparation, game planning, player development, and professional locker-room management.
steve sarkisian past teams coached spent one season with the Raiders before returning to USC. Although his NFL experience was brief, it became an important part of his overall coaching background. He would eventually return to professional football with the Atlanta Falcons, giving him another opportunity to work at the NFL level.
Building a Head Coaching Career at Washington
In 2009, steve sarkisian past teams coached became head coach of the Washington Huskies. This was his first major opportunity to lead a college football program. Washington had experienced difficult seasons before his arrival, so steve sarkisian past teams coached was given the task of rebuilding the program and creating a more competitive team.
During his four seasons at Washington, steve sarkisian past teams coached guided the Huskies to a bowl game in each season. His tenure helped stabilize the program and demonstrated his ability to manage more than just an offense. Recruiting, staff management, player development, game preparation, and program culture all became important parts of his responsibilities.
Returning to USC as Head Coach
steve sarkisian past teams coached returned to USC in 2014, becoming the Trojans’ head coach. It was a major career opportunity because he already knew the program and had previously served as an assistant there. USC expected to compete for championships, placing significant pressure on its new head coach.
USC finished steve sarkisian past teams coached first season with a 9–4 record and a Holiday Bowl victory. However, his tenure ended during the following season. The experience became one of the most challenging periods of his career, but steve sarkisian past teams coached later rebuilt his professional path and eventually returned to coaching at Alabama.
Steve Sarkisian’s Experience at Alabama
Sarkisian joined the Alabama Crimson Tide staff in 2016 as an offensive analyst under Nick Saban. Alabama provided him with an opportunity to work inside one of the most successful college football programs in the country. He later became offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2019.
His 2020 season at Alabama became a defining moment in his career. The Crimson Tide produced an extremely productive offense led by quarterback Mac Jones and talented players including DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, and Najee Harris. Alabama finished the season undefeated and won the national championship. Sarkisian also received the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach.
Coaching the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL
Before returning to Alabama, Sarkisian served as offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. The position gave him another chance to coordinate an NFL offense and work with professional players. His duties included developing offensive game plans, preparing players, and managing the team’s offensive strategy.
The Atlanta experience added another dimension to Sarkisian’s coaching background. While his results with the Falcons were mixed, the job gave him valuable experience at the professional level. After two seasons in Atlanta, he returned to Alabama, where his reputation grew considerably during the championship-winning 2020 campaign.
Leading the Texas Longhorns
Sarkisian became head coach of the Texas Longhorns. Texas is one of the most recognizable programs in college football, with a long history of national success and enormous expectations. Sarkisian took responsibility for rebuilding the program, improving recruiting, developing players, and establishing his offensive identity.
The Longhorns made significant progress under his leadership. Texas won the Big 12 Championship and reached the College Football Playoff. The program then entered the Southeastern Conference, creating a new challenge for Sarkisian and his players. His offensive knowledge and experience at Alabama became particularly valuable as Texas adjusted to the SEC level of competition.
How Past Teams Shaped Sarkisian’s Coaching Style
Every stop in Sarkisian’s coaching career contributed something different. El Camino College gave him his first experience as a coach, while USC taught him how to operate inside a major college football program. The Oakland Raiders introduced him to the NFL, and Washington gave him his first extended opportunity to lead a college team.
His second USC tenure showed him the pressures associated with running a national powerhouse. Alabama provided championship-level experience and allowed him to work under Nick Saban, while the Atlanta Falcons gave him another perspective on NFL offensive football. By the time Sarkisian took over at Texas, he had experienced nearly every major coaching environment in American football.
Conclusion
Steve Sarkisian past teams coached include El Camino College, USC, the Oakland Raiders, Washington, Alabama, the Atlanta Falcons, and Texas. His roles have ranged from quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator to assistant head coach and head coach. This variety has helped him develop a broad understanding of football at both the college and professional levels.
Sarkisian’s journey has included major achievements as well as difficult professional setbacks. His national championship experience at Alabama and his growing success at Texas have helped establish him as one of the most respected offensive coaches in college football. From his early days coaching quarterbacks at El Camino College to leading Texas in the SEC, his career shows how experience, adaptation, and perseverance can shape a long coaching journey.
