University of Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian delivered a health update regarding a serious medical condition. Coaches deal with stress hourly, daily, monthly, and yearly. It remains the nature of the job. Extended office hours in the offseason give way to long game-planning sessions during the season.
On top of that, the immense pressure to win at the Power Four level remains elevated during the year and doesn’t truly cease until after the season. Even then, you still need to recruit and shepherd your program.
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian Gives Update Regarding His Heart Health
Between the transfer portal, meeting expectations, and life in the SEC, Sarkisian deals with an elevated stress level. It’s part and parcel of the coaching experience, a job that causes burnout and early retirement. Yet, the high-profile jobs are what coaches covet and dream of. Sarkisian’s road back to a big chair suffered an unexpected bump.
In an interview with ESPN GameDay host Rece Davis, the Texas head coach discussed a frightening life-changing event and how walking is his peace of mind.
“I started taking walks in 2020 after I had heart surgery in Alabama. My doctor said, ‘Hey, you can’t do strenuous activities, but you need to be active.’ I got bored just walking around the field there. I’d love to tell you that I meditate every morning. That’s just not me. I can’t do it.”
In 2020, Sarkisian served as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, winning a national championship under head coach Nick Saban. With two previous head coaching stops at Washington and USC, Sarkisian understands the grind. However, with the hopes of an enormous football state hovering over him, the Texas job is different.
Mack Brown resigned after 16 years, one national championship, 10 bowl victories, and nine double-digit seasons, winning 76.7% of his games. Tom Herman coached four years in Austin, with four bowl victories, and they showed him the door. Still, the pressure on Sarkisian appears much greater.
Joining the SEC meant a lucrative financial future for a school that already enjoyed great wealth. In 2024, Texas made $27.4 million from the conference, per WFAA (Dallas). That number is only a part of the revenue share. The school received that amount as a transitional payment as a new member. At the end of this season, Texas should receive the full payment from the SEC of $52.5 million.
With millions at stake and a state, fans, donors, and media hungry for another championship, Sarkisian can go where he wants and recruit whom he wants. The Longhorn name carries weight. Can Sarkisian navigate the stress and bring the Orangebloods their first championship in two decades?
