Kalen DeBoer describes Steve Sarkisian's lasting impact on Washington program

Steve Sarkisian may have brought Texas back, but Kalen DeBoer doesn’t forget the Longhorns coach’s impact on Washington.

Sarkisian coached Washington from 2009-13 before taking the USC job ahead of the 2014 season. DeBoer took over the Huskies last season but recalls what Sark did to elevate the program at the time.

Now, the two coaches will meet for the second straight year in the postseason. This time it’s the Sugar Bowl in the College Football Playoff semifinal.

“Oh, yeah, I mean, Coach Sark, you know, just having I guess, I know a year ago when I talked to him, I shared with him that he’s part of this too,” DeBoer said of Sarkisian’s impact on Washington. “Everyone who came through this program and poured their heart and soul into what has happened here, you know, is a part of the history, is part of the tradition.

“And, you know, so I hope that’s the way everyone always feels, alumni, past coaches. You know, we’ve gotten to this spot, there’s highs and lows that you go through.” 

DeBoer credited Sarkisian for raising the level of Washington during the latter’s time in Seattle.

“He did some things to help elevate this program at that time, but, you know, he’s certainly, they’re (doing some) great things with their football team now. And they’re in year three, just kind of got the belief and trust. 

“You can see they’ve won some close games that have come down to the wire, and we’re certainly familiar with that. And know that it takes some belief in what you’re doing, you know, and he’s got that going there at Texas.”

Sarkisian went 34-29 at Washington, going 1-2 in postseason games and led the Huskies to a fourth before going to USC. While his USC tenure finished 12-6, Sarkisian’s time in LA was marred by personal struggles.

After numerous stops, Sarkisian took over Texas in 2021 and pushed all the right buttons in Year 3. As Big 12 champs before going to the SEC, Sarkisian has an opportunity to win a national title before a new era of Texas football.

To do so, he has to beat his former school. In last year’s Alamo Bowl, a favored Washington team won 27-20. Both teams are definitely superior to their 2022 versions, setting up for what could be an instant classic with talent on all sides of the football.

It seems like this could be the full circle moment for Sarkisian.