Big Noon Conversations: Texas’ Steve Sarkisian on the SEC move & learning from Saban & Pete Carroll
Jun 17, 2024
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Joel Klatt chats with Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian about the pressures of coaching at Texas, the impact of the SEC move on his program, and lessons learned from coaching mentors Nick Saban and Pete Carroll. They also discuss the importance of vulnerability and sobriety in building team culture, along with reflecting on their best and worst playcalls.
Steve Sarkisian emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong team culture amidst the evolving landscape of college football, including challenges like NIL and transfer portal.
Sarkisian highlights the significance of fostering a culture of vulnerability within the team to create a cohesive environment, drawing from personal struggles and experiences.
Reflecting on his mentors Nick Saban and Pete Carroll, Sarkisian stresses the sustainability of being a head coach by hiring competent staff and staying true to his coaching identity.
Deep dives
Steve Sarkisian's Journey to Setting the Temperature
Steve Sarkisian reflects on his transformation from being reactive like a thermometer to proactive as a thermostat. He discusses the support and pressure that come with being the head coach of the University of Texas football team.
Navigating Changes in College Football
Steve Sarkisian delves into the evolving landscape of college football, including challenges like the NIL, transfer portal, and conference realignment. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong team culture amidst these changes.
Building a Culture of Vulnerability and Empathy
Steve Sarkisian highlights the significance of fostering a culture of vulnerability within the team. By sharing personal struggles and experiences, he encourages players and coaches to support each other and create a cohesive environment.
Balancing Play Calling and Head Coaching Responsibilities
Steve Sarkisian discusses the sustainability of being a head coach and play caller, drawing insights from his experiences under influential coaches like Pete Carroll and Nick Saban. He stresses the importance of hiring competent staff and delegating operational tasks while staying true to his coaching identity.
Best and Worst Play Calls
Steve Sarkisian candidly recalls his regrettable play call during a crucial moment in a national championship game and his successful game-changing play call in a Big 12 championship game against Oklahoma State. Despite the ups and downs of play calling, he remains determined and focused on leading his team effectively.
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt sits down with Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian in this episode of The Joel Klatt Show: Big Noon Conversations. They discuss the pressure that comes with being the Head Coach at Texas and how the move to the SEC will affect his program. The Longhorns coach reflects on what he learned from his two coaching mentors that both stepped away from the sport this offseason – Nick Saban and Pete Carroll – and reveals what he believes was the key to their incredible success. The two also discuss the commonality they share as they discuss sobriety and how being vulnerable in his own life has impacted Sarkisian’s culture-building within his program. Lastly, Coach Sark reveals his best and worst playcalls of his career – with his worst playcall ultimately leading to an iconic moment in Texas history.