In an announcement that has electrified both the sports and academic worlds, TIME Magazine has officially named Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Texas Longhorns, among its Top 100 Most Influential People in Sports — a recognition not just of victories on the field, but of a deeper kind of triumph: the rebuilding of a man, a program, and a purpose.

For Sarkisian, affectionately known as “Coach Sark,” this honor is more than a milestone in his coaching career. It’s a full-circle moment — a testament to resilience, leadership, and the power of redemption.

From Adversity to Ascendancy

Steve Sarkisian’s story reads like a modern sports parable — one of immense promise, painful collapse, and an extraordinary comeback. Once a rising star in college football coaching, Sarkisian’s tenure at USC ended in 2015 amid public struggles with alcoholism. For many, that could have been the end.

But instead of vanishing into the shadows, Sarkisian chose to fight. He entered treatment, rebuilt his life, and began a long, humbling climb back through the coaching ranks. He worked quietly, steadily, regaining trust and proving that second chances can yield greatness when met with accountability and humility.

After serving as offensive coordinator for Alabama under Nick Saban, Sarkisian returned to the spotlight — his brilliant offensive mind helping the Crimson Tide capture a national championship. That success reignited his career and, in 2021, led him to Austin, Texas, where he took on one of the most pressure-filled jobs in sports: head coach of the Texas Longhorns.

Rebuilding a Powerhouse — Brick by Brick

When Sarkisian arrived at Texas, the program was adrift — rich in history, but struggling to reclaim its dominance. He didn’t just rebuild a football team; he reconstructed an entire culture.

Insiders say one of his first acts wasn’t about playbooks or drills, but about people. “He gathered everyone — players, trainers, even office staff — and told us, ‘We’re going to build something that outlasts us,’” recalled Longhorns linebacker Jaylan Ford. “That hit different. He wasn’t just talking football — he was talking life.”

That philosophy became the cornerstone of Texas football under Sarkisian. Accountability, respect, and unity replaced ego and fragmentation. Players were encouraged to develop as men as much as athletes.

Within two seasons, the transformation was evident. Texas went from inconsistent to explosive — their offense dynamic, their defense disciplined, their locker room cohesive. But what truly set Sarkisian apart wasn’t just the wins — it was the way he was winning.

Coaching the Human, Not Just the Player

TIME Magazine’s feature highlights Sarkisian’s approach to mentorship and mental health — a rare blend of empathy and excellence. “I’ve made mistakes,” Sarkisian has said. “And I’ll never hide from them. But what I’ve learned is that strength isn’t pretending to be perfect — it’s showing up every day determined to be better.”

Under his leadership, the Longhorns have implemented wellness programs focused on mental resilience, peer counseling, and life planning after football. Sarkisian believes the game should prepare young men not just for the NFL, but for life.

That mindset has resonated deeply in the modern era of college athletics, where the pressures of performance, media scrutiny, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities can overwhelm even the most talented players. Sarkisian’s office door remains open — not for tactical meetings, but for honest conversations about purpose, identity, and legacy.

The Culture of Character

In his third year at Texas, Sarkisian’s influence could be felt far beyond the gridiron. His players routinely volunteer in community initiatives across Austin — mentoring local youth, raising funds for children’s hospitals, and helping rebuild playgrounds in underprivileged neighborhoods.

“He tells us all the time,” said quarterback Quinn Ewers, “If you only measure success by trophies, you’ll never know peace. But if you measure it by impact — how many lives you touched — that’s when you’ve really won.”

It’s that ethos that TIME Magazine cited as central to Sarkisian’s inclusion in its Top 100 list. “Steve Sarkisian represents a new archetype of coach — one who leads through vulnerability, purpose, and belief in people,” the publication wrote. “He proves that greatness isn’t measured by rankings, but by the culture you build.”

The Strategist Behind the Success

Of course, none of this diminishes Sarkisian’s tactical brilliance. Known across the NCAA for his offensive ingenuity, he has redefined Texas’ attack with precision, creativity, and adaptability. His game plans blend pro-style discipline with explosive college tempo — a system that has turned the Longhorns into a national powerhouse once again.

His development of young talent has been remarkable: multiple players have gone on to the NFL, not just as athletes but as leaders molded by Sarkisian’s mentorship. Scouts praise his ability to refine both mechanics and mindset — demanding excellence but always reminding his players that “grace and grit can coexist.”

A Broader Influence

Beyond Texas, Sarkisian has become a respected voice on college athletics reform, advocating for clearer guidance on NIL deals, player safety, and mental health. He’s spoken at leadership summits, partnered with university psychologists, and launched an initiative called “Beyond the Field”, focused on helping student-athletes transition successfully into post-graduate life.

His story has become a case study in resilience — used in leadership programs and sports psychology courses alike.

As ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit recently put it: “What makes Sark special is that he doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out. He’s real. He’s human. And that’s what makes people follow him — because he leads with truth.”

A Legacy Still Being Written

Today, Steve Sarkisian stands as more than a coach — he’s a builder, a strategist, and a mentor whose influence radiates beyond the scoreboard. In a profession often defined by pressure and impermanence, he’s building something timeless: a culture rooted in empathy, belief, and the courage to evolve.

When asked by TIME what drives him most, Sarkisian’s answer was simple:

“I want every young man who plays for me to leave here believing he can lead — in football, in life, and in love. That’s the real victory.”

As the Texas Longhorns continue their climb toward national championship contention, one thing is already certain: Steve Sarkisian’s greatest legacy won’t be found in the trophy case — it will be written in the lives he’s changed.