Steve Sarkisian believes his career would not be possible without Nick Saban

Steve Sarkisian resurrected his career under Nick Saban at Alabama at one point. Eventually, it led him to Texas where he became the Longhorns’ head coach.

Now a Big 12 champion and College Football Playoff participant, Sarkisian joins an elite class of coaches in the SEC in 2024 as Texas and Oklahoma make the move. Once upon a time, it was hard to imagine Sarkisian in this type of position.

Well, Saban believed in him and Sarkisian learned well during his time as Alabama’s offensive coordinator.

“He believed in me at a time when I was having a hard time even getting an interview,” Sarkisian said, via ESPN.

Sarkisian was sure to remind Saban of that after the two faced off in Week 2 earlier this season.

“None of this would’ve been possible without you,” Sarkisian told Saban at midfield.

Texas knocked off Alabama, which spearheaded the Longhorns’ run to the College Football Playoff after winning a Big 12 title.

“As great as it was for us to go and get that win, that would never have been possible without Nick Saban, ironically,” Sarkisian said. “To think that was where I kind of resurrected my career, in that stadium with him, to have that moment — which was our biggest moment in three years here — was something I won’t forget. I’m forever grateful that he and Miss Terry were both there for me at a tough time in my life.”

Sarkisian was open and honest about his recovery as an alcoholic. Once he confronted his demons, he received his second chance in the coaching ranks.

Sure enough, he wasn’t the USC version of Sarkisian, he became a new version of himself, aided by Saban.

Texas is hoping they can sustain the success from 2023, even moving into the SEC. Sarkisian hopes his two mentors, Saban and former USC and Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, can come to the 40 Acres to support him. In return, he wants to be a highlight of their respective coaching tree.

“My goal is that we can play in some big games down the road and those two guys can come and support us,” Sarkisian said. “I think that’s part of leaving a legacy. Other coaches that have worked for you, what have they gone on to do? Now that they have a little bit more time on their hands, hopefully, they can come down to Austin, and watch us play.”