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It's been a long winding journey for Steve Sarkisian in his coaching career. A rising star as the head coach of the Washington Huskies from 2009 to 2013, Sarkisian seemed to hit the jackpot with a big-money move to USC. But it all came crashing down quickly, aided by an alcohol addiction that led to his unwanted departure from the school's football program. Sarkisian then had to repair his image and start his coaching career anew.
Spells at Alabama and with the Atlanta Falcons ultimately led to another head coaching opportunity, with a Texas Longhorns program that wanted to get back to winning ways. They certainly have under Sarkisian, winning the Big 12 in 2023 and reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals in 2024. Sarkisian has also groomed Arch Manning, who has bided his time but is ready for superstardom in 2025.
Steve Sarkisian ranked 5th among college football head coaches
Sarkisian's ascension from an unenviable spot hasn't gone unnoticed. In many analysts' eyes, Manning is in the perfect situation, and it's partly due to Sarkisian. ESPN published their head coach rankings ahead of the 2025 season, and the Longhorns' head coach came in fifth. This is what Chris Low had to say about Sarkisian's ranking.
Sarkisian is one of college football's most well-rounded coaches, and he would be a name at the top of the proverbial short list of every athletic director in the country if that AD needed a coach and/or could afford him. Sarkisian is one of the game's top offensive minds. He's a juggernaut of a recruiter and hires good people around him.
The four head coaches ahead of Sarkisian are all worthy of their ranking, so it will take an impressive season from Texas for Sarkisian to leapfrog them next offseason.
- Kirby Smart, Georgia
- Ryan Day, Ohio State
- Dabo Swinney, Clemson
- Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame
Sarkisian will quickly get his chance to assert some dominance and revenge over Day. Texas faces Ohio State in the first game of their respective college seasons in August.