Biography
Steve Sarkisian, born on March 8, 1974, in Torrance, California, is a former NFL quarterback and current college football coach. He played college football at the University of Arizona, where he showcased his talent as a passer and led the Wildcats to significant victories. Following his collegiate career, he was selected by the Los Angeles Raiders in the 1997 NFL Draft and went on to have a brief playing career with the team and other organizations.
Sarkisian's playing career was marked by limited success as a starting quarterback in the NFL, which prompted him to transition into coaching soon after retiring from playing. He embarked on a coaching career that began at USC as a quarterbacks coach, later serving as offensive coordinator and ultimately ascending to the head coaching position at Washington in 2013. During his tenure at Washington, Sarkisian revitalized the program, leading the team to a 34-29 record and two bowl game appearances before resigning in 2014.
In subsequent years, Sarkisian held coaching positions at USC and Alabama, further establishing his reputation as a skilled offensive mind in college football. His achievements included being named the offensive coordinator for Alabama during their successful 2020 season, which culminated in a national championship. Sarkisian's legacy in football is characterized by his contributions as both a player and a coach, particularly in developing quarterbacks and innovating offensive strategies in the modern game.