Alabama OC Steve Sarkisian to be next head coach of Texas Longhorns

Courtesy of Alabama Athletics

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The Texas Longhorns have selected Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian as its next head coach after firing Tom Herman on Jan. 2. The news was first reported by 247Sports. 

Sarkisian, 46, comes to Austin after a highly successful two-year stretch at Alabama. He won the Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach after leading the Crimson Tide to the top scoring and yards per play offense in America. Quarterback Mac Jones and wide receiver DeVonta Smith were both named Heisman finalists. 

The Crimson Tide will play in the national championship game on Jan. 11 in Miami, Fla. Sarkisian is expected to remain with Alabama through the national championship game. 

Sarkisian previously coached at Washington and USC, accumulating a 46-35 record as a head coach. After USC, he also worked as an analyst at Alabama and as offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons in 2017-18. 

During his second season at USC, Sarkisian took a leave of absence due to a battle with alcoholism. He was later fired and replaced by offensive coordinator Clay Helton. Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman reports that Texas brass has been vetting Sarkisian and is satisfied with the way he handled himself in the years since. 

Sarkisian replaces Herman, who was fired after four seasons with the Longhorns. Herman finished with a 32-18 record and four straight bowl victories. He is tasked with chasing Texas' first Big 12 championship since 2009. 

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