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Steve Sarkisian was a part of Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama on two separate occasions, once as an analyst and once as an offensive coordinator. In his final stint, he was named the Broyles Award recipient given to the nation’s top assistant.
Sark piggybacked off of that success by landing the gig at Texas, who now joins the Crimson Tide’s conference ahead of his fourth season in Austin.
That makes him one of a number of former staff members to own head coaching roles in the SEC as he joins the likes of Kirby Smart, Lane Kiffin, and Billy Napier.
Sarkisian admits that one of the coaches on that list can sometimes be an annoyance.
The Longhorns leader was asked about a group chat that includes a few Nick Saban disciples while speaking at SEC Media Days. While he often keeps up with the conversation, at times, he has to put it on mute.
Steve Sarkisian blamed Lane Kiffin for that!
“I’m [in the group chat],” he said in an interview with Sirius XM Radio. “I’ve muted it from time to time. You know, Lane can get on a role, and I’m like, I don’t have time for this.”
“I’ve muted it….”@TexasFootball HC @CoachSark discusses why he has muted his group chat with Nick Saban and other @SEC Head Coaches.#SECMD24 pic.twitter.com/PLFHAWKSyD
— College Sports on SiriusXM (@SXMCollege) July 17, 2024
We all have that friend!
It was one of a number of times Sarkisian spoke on his relationship with Nick Saban, who retired after the 2023 season.
While on the podium Wednesday, the head coach showed his appreciation during an opening statement.
“I know you’ve impacted a lot of people who have been up on this stage,” he said. “No one have you impacted more than me. I would not be standing here today without you. What you’ve meant to my career, to my life, I can’t thank you enough.”
Saban was at the media day event working with SEC Network. Many of those in attendance paid their respects to the college football legend.
Prior to being hired at Alabama, Steve Sarkisian was a head coach in the PAC 12. Off the field issues eventually led to his firing, but Nick Saban offered a second chance.
Now, he’s fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance with hopes of winning a national title.
His buddy Lane Kiffin should also be in that postseason conversation, though the two coaches won’t face off head-to-head. That might be a good thing for Sark as that group chat would be on fire had Ole Miss pulled the upset!