News: The intriguing story surrounding Steve Sarkisian’s departure from the University of Washington and his subsequent coaching journey is worth exploring. This article delves into the controversies, successes, and challenges that have shaped Sarkisian’s career, from his time at Washington to his current position as head coach at the University of Texas.
A Turbulent Departure from USC
In 2015, Steve Sarkisian found himself ousted from his role as head coach of the USC Trojans. Athletic director Pat Haden took this decisive action, prioritizing the university’s and student-athletes’ welfare. Although Sarkisian had steered the Trojans to a triumphant Holiday Bowl victory the prior season, the team stumbled with a challenging 3-2 start the subsequent year. Compounding matters, an episode where Sarkisian purportedly attended a team meeting under the influence accelerated his exit. Haden emphasized USC’s stringent alcohol policy as the basis for Sarkisian’s dismissal. Notably, Sarkisian had previously encountered alcohol-related controversies during his tenure at the University of Washington. In a retaliatory move, Sarkisian initiated a $30 million wrongful termination lawsuit against USC, which he later lost. His exit from USC underscored lingering concerns regarding his health and professional conduct.
The Atlanta Falcons and Challenges
After parting ways with USC, Steve Sarkisian stepped into the position of offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons on February 7, 2017. Yet, his stint with the team encountered its share of obstacles. The Falcons witnessed a dip in their scoring prowess, plummeting from an impressive 33.8 points per game in 2016 to 22.1 points per game in 2017. Although there was a marginal uptick to 25.9 points per game in 2018, Sarkisian’s time as offensive coordinator concluded when he was relieved of his duties on December 31, 2018.
A Diverse Coaching Journey
Despite encountering challenges along the way, Steve Sarkisian’s coaching odyssey boasts a rich tapestry of significant roles. His journey commenced on the field, playing college football as a quarterback at Brigham Young University (BYU) and later transitioning to the professional arena with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League (CFL). As a coach, Sarkisian’s footprint has graced esteemed institutions such as USC, the Oakland Raiders, and the Atlanta Falcons. His leadership shone brightly at the University of Washington from 2009 to 2013 and at USC from 2014 to 2015. Boasting an overall coaching tally of 71-49, Sarkisian’s prowess hasn’t gone unnoticed. His accolades include clinching the AP Big 12 Coach of the Year title in 2023 and guiding Texas to a Big 12 Championship in the same season. Additionally, he showcased his strategic acumen as the offensive coordinator for both the Atlanta Falcons and the University of Alabama, where he was honored with the Broyles Award in 2020.
The Head Coach of the University of Texas
Born on March 8, 1974, in Torrance, California, Steve Sarkisian has carved a noteworthy legacy in football, excelling both as a player and a coach. He embarked on his coaching journey at El Camino College in 2000, serving as the quarterbacks coach. Presently, Sarkisian commands the helm as the head coach at the University of Texas, a role he assumed in 2021 within the competitive landscape of the Big 12 conference. His coaching dossier reflects an overall record of 71-49, complemented by a bowl game record of 2-4.
Continuing to Leave a Mark
In summary, Steve Sarkisian’s coaching trajectory has been a blend of hurdles and triumphs. From his exit from USC to his tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, Sarkisian has navigated a series of challenges. Yet, accolades such as capturing the AP Big 12 Coach of the Year title and guiding Texas to a Big 12 Championship underscore his coaching prowess. Now steering the University of Texas football program, Sarkisian remains a prominent figure leaving an indelible impact on the gridiron landscape.
FAQs
Q: Why was Steve Sarkisian dismissed from the USC Trojans?
A: Sarkisian faced termination from the USC Trojans due to a difficult beginning of the season, accusations of being intoxicated at a team meeting, and a strict stance against alcohol consumption.
Q: In which teams did Steve Sarkisian act as offensive coordinator?
A: Steve Sarkisian held the position of offensive coordinator for both the Atlanta Falcons and the University of Alabama.
Q: Which accolades has Steve Sarkisian earned?
A: Throughout his coaching tenure, Sarkisian has garnered the AP Big 12 Coach of the Year accolade and the Broyles Award.
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