Steve Sarkisian is best known for his football acumen, having coached at major college football programs and served in the NFL. But while the world sees him on the sidelines calling plays and leading the Texas Longhorns, few know the full story behind the man, particularly the chapter involving Steve Sarkisian First Wife Stephanie Sarkisian. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at their relationship, family life, and how this personal journey impacted Steve’s career, character, and growth.
Quick Bio: Steve Sarkisian & Stephanie Sarkisian
| Name | Relationship | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Sarkisian | Main subject | Head Coach of Texas Longhorns |
| Stephanie Sarkisian | First wife | Former spouse, married 1997–2015 |
| Taylor Sarkisian | Daughter | One of Steve and Stephanie’s three kids |
| Brady Sarkisian | Son | Son of Steve and Stephanie |
| Ashley Sarkisian | Daughter | Youngest child of the Sarkisian family |
| Nick Saban | Mentor | Steve worked under Saban at Alabama |
| Pete Carroll | Former boss | Worked with Sarkisian at USC and Seahawks |
| Loreal Sarkisian | Current wife | Married Steve in 2020 |
| USC Trojans | Former employer | Sarkisian coached there 2005–2009, 2014–15 |
| Washington Huskies | Former employer | Head coach before USC |
| Texas Longhorns | Current employer | Hired as head coach in 2021 |
| University of BYU | Alma Mater | Sarkisian played QB here |
Who Is Stephanie Sarkisian?
Stephanie Sarkisian may not be a public figure, but her name became known during Steve Sarkisian’s rise in college football. She was married to Steve from 1997 until their divorce in 2015. The couple met in their younger years and were together through much of Steve’s early coaching journey — from junior college coaching gigs to becoming a head coach at prestigious universities.
Stephanie largely stayed out of the spotlight, preferring privacy over the glare of sports media. However, her influence during a pivotal time in Steve’s life is undeniable.
Marriage and Family Life
Steve and Stephanie got married in 1997, the same year Steve began working his way up in the football coaching world. Together, they had three children: Taylor, Brady, and Ashley.
The family moved frequently as Steve took on various coaching roles — from El Camino College to USC, then to Washington and back to USC. Throughout all of this, Stephanie remained the steady force behind the scenes, managing family life amidst the chaos of college football.
Balancing Football and Fatherhood
In interviews, Sarkisian often mentioned how important family is to him. During his time at Washington and USC, he tried to balance long hours on the field with quality time at home. He was known for bringing his kids to practices and events when possible.
But the demands of college football coaching — including recruiting, travel, and intense pressure — no doubt strained the personal side of his life.
The Divorce: A Turning Point
In April 2015, Steve and Stephanie Sarkisian announced their divorce. The statement they issued requested privacy and emphasized that their focus would remain on co-parenting their children.
The divorce came during a tumultuous period for Steve, both personally and professionally. Later that year, he was let go from USC due to personal issues related to alcohol. While the divorce was not directly connected to his job loss, it added to the emotional and psychological challenges he was facing at the time.
Sarkisian’s Public Struggles
By late 2015, Steve’s life had hit a low point. In addition to his divorce and departure from USC, he entered a rehabilitation program to address alcohol-related problems. It was a deeply humbling moment, one that Sarkisian would later call a “wake-up call.”
He has since spoken candidly about taking accountability, seeking therapy, and rebuilding not just his career, but also his relationships, especially with his children.
Life After Divorce: Redemption and Growth
After his personal and professional setbacks in 2015, Sarkisian took time to heal. He rejoined football in 2016 as an analyst at Alabama under Nick Saban. With Saban’s mentorship, Steve revived his coaching career and later became offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons and Alabama once more.
In 2020, Sarkisian married Loreal Smith, a former collegiate track athlete and stylist. Their relationship brought a new chapter of support and stability to Steve’s life.
Despite the challenges of divorce, Steve and Stephanie have remained committed co-parents, ensuring their children’s lives remain as stable and grounded as possible.
What We Can Learn from This Story
Steve Sarkisian’s story is more than just X’s and O’s. It’s about resilience, accountability, and the often unseen challenges public figures face. His relationship with his first wife, Stephanie, offers a lens into the complexities of balancing personal life with the high-stakes world of elite college football.
The couple’s 18-year marriage, their family life, and eventual separation show that behind every headline, there are human stories with depth, emotion, and growth.
Conclusion: The Personal Side of a Public Figure
Steve Sarkisian’s journey with his first wife, Stephanie, is a poignant part of his life story. It reminds us that even the most high-profile figures in sports deal with personal challenges, heartbreak, and redemption. Their marriage spanned nearly two decades and weathered the highs and lows of a demanding profession. While they ultimately went their separate ways, their story is one of growth, resilience, and continued commitment to family.
As Sarkisian now leads one of college football’s most iconic programs, his evolution remains as impressive as his professional one.
FAQs: Steve Sarkisian first wife
1. Who is Steve Sarkisian first wife?
Steve Sarkisian first wife is Stephanie Sarkisian. They were married from 1997 to 2015 and share three children.
2. Why did Steve and Stephanie Sarkisian get divorced?
The exact reasons were kept private, but the divorce came during a challenging period in Steve’s life, including personal struggles and career stress.
3. Do Steve and Stephanie have children together?
Yes. They have three children: Taylor, Brady, and Ashley.
4. Is Steve Sarkisian remarried?
Yes, Steve married Loreal Smith Sarkisian in 2020.
5. What impact did the divorce have on his coaching career?
While not directly responsible for his firing at USC, the divorce was part of a difficult time in Steve’s life, which also included personal issues that required rehabilitation.
6. Where is Stephanie Sarkisian now?
She has remained private and out of the public spotlight since the divorce, focusing on her role as a mother.
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