When Steve Sarkisian accepted the head coaching job at the University of Texas in 2021, he admitted his expectations for Austin were wildly off the mark. In a recent appearance on the “3rd and Longhorn” podcast, Sarkisian shared a candid and humorous account of his first impressions of the city - a story that almost changed the course of Longhorns football.
Sarkisian, a Los Angeles native who coached at USC, Washington, the Atlanta Falcons, and Alabama, had never set foot in Austin before taking the Texas job. His entire interview process was conducted over Zoom, leaving him to rely on his imagination—and, as he now laughs about, that imagination was way off base.
“In my mind, I have this vision of brown and tumbleweeds,” Sarkisian recalled. “Mind you, I’ve never been to Austin, Texas, in my life. The whole interview process has been over Zoom. I’m seeing cars and traffic, like I thought it was horse and buggy. I had no idea, so boom, that was it, I take the job.”
Only after his wife Googled Austin, Sarkisian realized the city was nothing like the small, dusty college town he’d envisioned. Instead, he found a bustling, modern metropolis—home to nearly a million people and ranked as the 11th largest city in the United States.
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Sarkisian’s initial misconception nearly led him to turn down the Texas job, a decision that would have dramatically altered his career trajectory and the Longhorns program. Since arriving in Austin, Sarkisian has revitalized Texas football, guiding the team to two consecutive College Football Playoff semifinal appearances and restoring its national prominence.
Reflecting on his early days in Austin during the podcast, Sarkisian also discussed the city’s vibrant culture and unique recruiting and player development opportunities. He emphasized how Austin’s energy and growth have become a draw for elite talent, both on and off the field.
Now entering another season at the helm, Sarkisian is grateful for the chance he almost passed up—and for the city that continues to rally behind him and the Longhorns.