The Sarkisian family introduces themselves to Seattle at a press conference held Dec. 8 in the Don James Center at Husky Stadium. Steve Sarkisian (left) stands with wife, Stephanie, and his daughters Ashley, 5, and Taylor (newborn). Son Brady is 3. (Photo provided by Richard Kilwien.)
Steve Sarkisian is the new head coach of the Washington Huskies. He will be succeeding Tyrone Willingham, whose 4-year tenure concluded with a winless season, the first time in the team’s 119-year history at the institution. Sarkisian’s experience as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach is hoped to boost the team’s offense and improve their star quarterback, Jake Locker. One of Sarkisian’s main objectives is to improve recruiting right away, a crucial step in bringing the Huskies back to its glory days.
Sarkisian was born March 8, 1974. He attended West High School in Torrance, Calif. He began his playing career in 1992 at the University of Southern California (USC) as a member of the baseball team.
He later transferred to El Camino College, a two-year community college in Torrance, where he played his first two seasons of college football. As a freshman in 1993, he earned All-Mission Conference honors. In his sophomore season, he was named JC All-American.
In 1995, Sarkisian transferred to Brigham Young University (BYU). He immediately became the team’s starting quarterback. He earned a bachelors degree in sociology at BYU in 1997.
Sarkisian played three seasons (1997-1999) for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was a starter in the 1999 season, finishing with 16 touchdown passes and 21 interceptions.
Sarkisian’s coaching career began in 2000, when he returned to El Camino Junior College as a quarterbacks coach.
In 2004, he served as quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL).
He returned to USC for the 2005 season as assistant head coach.
On Dec. 6, the University of Washington announced Sarkisian as the school’s 23rd head football coach during a press conference on Dec. 8, 2008 in the Don James Center at Husky Stadium.
Sarkisian is Armenian and Irish. His wife, Stephanie, is a mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Hispanic descent.
When I went to school I stayed in the Dorms. I think they are the most fun place to stay there. Some people rent houses, but I still don’t think that is the way to go.