Steve Sarkisian reflects on Washington tenure ahead of Alamo Bowl

San Antonio is a familiar bowl destination for Texas fans, with the Alamo Bowl becoming nearly a yearly tradition. Three out of the last four years have seen the Longhorns go up against Pac-12 opponents, with this year’s being a fresh face — Washington.

The Huskies are far from fresh for head coach Steve Sarkisian, though. He got his career started with the program back in 2009. Sarkisian joined after previously being the USC offensive coordinator and still has fond memories of his time in the Pacific Northwest.

“My time at Washington is one that I’ll never forget,” said Sarkisian. “Special times, special place. That place was incredible. The fan base was incredible. I don’t take it lightly.”

When Sarkisian took over in Washington, there was a stretch of five losing seasons with a total of 12 wins. The last of which saw an 0-12 record and an Apple Cup loss to a 1-11 Washington State. Things were not looking good in Seattle.

Sarkisian said no matter the place you’re coaching, the goal is to leave things in better shape than you found them. Reflecting on his time with Washington, he’s confident things were turned around and heading in the right direction.

“You evolve as a coach obviously as you go through all of it,” said Sarkisian. “In the end, man, you hope you leave a place better than what you found it. I think that we did that.”

By the time Sarkisian left, there had been four consecutive winning seasons for the Huskies, although three were at 7-6. Since then, 2021 was the only under .500 record for Washington as they have consistently been one of the top programs in the Pac-12.

The goal of leaving Washington a better place than found was definitely achieved.

Steve Sarkisian respects everybody involved with Washington

Kalen DeBoer is now in charge at Washington, having a successful first season. He was able to overcome the regression caused by Jimmy Lake and instantly have the Huskies back to winning ways.

Both DeBoer and Sarkisian had bumpy roads to navigate when taking over. The now-Texas headman recognizes how tough a job rebuilding can be and paid his respects to everyone involved with the Washington program.

“Coach DeBoer has done a fantastic job with that program,” Sarkisian said. “But in the end it’s, like, man, do I think it was better than what it was when I got there? Yeah, I think so. And I’m appreciative of all the people there. They’re great people at the University of Washington. Much respect for everybody there.”

Dec. 28 is when Texas and Washington will battle for the right of being called 2022 Alam0 Bowl champions, for just a fifth career meeting. A sense of familiarity will linger for Longhorn fans and their head coach.