Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian Reflects on Nick Saban Giving Him an Opportunity at Alabama
In the world of college football, few coaching relationships have been as pivotal as that of Steve Sarkisian and Nick Saban. Sarkisian, the head coach at the University of Texas, has long spoken about the profound influence Saban had on his career. From being hired as the offensive coordinator at Alabama in 2019 to eventually taking the reins at Texas, Sarkisian’s time under Saban was transformative. As he continues to build the Texas Longhorns into a national contender, Sarkisian often reflects on the opportunity he was given by the legendary Alabama coach and the lessons he learned during his time in Tuscaloosa.
Sarkisian’s journey to becoming the head coach at Texas is one that has been shaped by both success and challenges. Before joining Alabama, Sarkisian had been in and out of various coaching positions, with his career marred by personal and professional setbacks. However, Saban’s willingness to give him a chance at Alabama would prove to be a career-defining moment for Sarkisian. The opportunity not only helped Sarkisian rebuild his career but also provided him with a front-row seat to witness the inner workings of one of the most successful football programs in the country.
In 2019, after a stint as the offensive coordinator at the University of Southern California (USC) and a brief and rocky time as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Sarkisian found himself at a crossroads. His career, once full of promise, had experienced some setbacks. However, the phone call that came from Nick Saban would change the course of his professional life.
Saban, known for his ability to identify talent and provide second chances, offered Sarkisian the opportunity to join his staff as Alabama’s offensive coordinator. At the time, Sarkisian was in the process of rebuilding his reputation and career. Saban, however, saw potential in him. Sarkisian reflects on this moment with a deep sense of gratitude, acknowledging how pivotal it was for his career.
“I’ll never forget that conversation with Coach Saban,” Sarkisian said in an interview. “It was a turning point for me, not just as a coach but as a person. The opportunity to work for him, to be around the best, and to learn from someone who has accomplished what he has—it was something I couldn’t pass up.”
Saban’s decision to bring Sarkisian aboard wasn’t just an act of kindness—it was a recognition of Sarkisian’s coaching acumen and potential. At Alabama, Sarkisian was thrust into one of the most high-pressure environments in college football, tasked with running an offense that had already produced Heisman-winning quarterbacks and a slew of future NFL talent. Despite the pressure, Sarkisian was able to thrive under Saban’s leadership, rebuilding his confidence and fine-tuning his approach to coaching.
During his time at Alabama, Sarkisian was able to observe Saban’s meticulous approach to coaching. Known for his attention to detail, discipline, and consistent pursuit of excellence, Saban provided Sarkisian with a framework for success that went far beyond football strategy. Sarkisian frequently cites Saban’s leadership as one of the main reasons for his professional growth.
“There’s a reason Coach Saban has been so successful for as long as he has,” Sarkisian explained. “His ability to manage people, to motivate them, and to keep them focused on the little details is unmatched. I learned so much from him in terms of how to run a program, how to communicate with players, and how to create a winning culture.”
Sarkisian took note of Saban’s methods, including his relentless focus on “The Process,” which emphasizes preparation, consistency, and execution. Sarkisian observed how Saban created an environment where success was not a result of luck but the culmination of hard work and attention to detail. These lessons would prove invaluable when Sarkisian was eventually hired as the head coach at Texas.
Perhaps the most important lesson Sarkisian took away from his time with Saban was the importance of leadership. Saban’s leadership style—demanding yet nurturing, focused yet adaptable—became a model for Sarkisian as he looked to develop his own identity as a head coach.
In 2021, Sarkisian was named the head coach at Texas, tasked with rebuilding a program that had long been considered underperforming. Sarkisian’s time at Alabama equipped him with the tools and confidence needed to take on the challenge. From recruiting and game planning to managing a large staff and developing young players, Sarkisian had learned the intricacies of running a successful program under Saban’s tutelage.
“I’m thankful for everything I learned from Coach Saban,” Sarkisian said after taking the Texas job. “He taught me so much about leadership and what it takes to run a program the right way. I’m proud of the work we did at Alabama, and I’m excited to take those lessons and implement them here at Texas.”
Sarkisian’s impact at Texas has already begun to be felt. In just his second season, he has made significant strides in rebuilding the Longhorns, bringing in high-level recruits and developing an offense that is explosive and efficient. While there’s still much work to be done, Sarkisian’s progress at Texas is a testament to the lessons he learned under Saban’s leadership.
One of the most important lessons Sarkisian took from Saban was the importance of building a strong program foundation. At Texas, Sarkisian has worked tirelessly to instill a culture of accountability, discipline, and mental toughness. He has also embraced the value of consistency, ensuring that the team remains focused on long-term goals rather than short-term successes.
Looking back, Sarkisian is grateful for the second chance he received at Alabama. His time with Saban wasn’t just a career opportunity—it was a chance for redemption and personal growth. Sarkisian knows that without Saban’s faith in him, his path to becoming a head coach at a prestigious program like Texas may never have materialized.
“The fact that Coach Saban took a chance on me when I really needed it means the world to me,” Sarkisian said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity he gave me, and I’ll never forget what he did for me.”
As Texas continues to climb the ranks of college football, Sarkisian’s success is a reflection of the lessons he learned under Nick Saban. Saban’s impact on his career is undeniable, and Sarkisian is determined to honor that legacy by building Texas into a powerhouse in its own right. With the guidance and mentorship of Saban, Steve Sarkisian is well on his way to carving out his own legacy as one of the premier coaches in college football.
In many ways, Sarkisian’s journey from Alabama to Texas embodies the power of second chances and the transformative effect a great mentor can have on a person’s life. Through Saban’s guidance, Sarkisian has become a stronger coach, leader, and individual—and the college football world will undoubtedly continue to see the fruits of that growth for years to come.