Steve Sarkisian reflects on changes he's made since Washington tenure

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian got his first head coaching job with Washington in 2009. He was there until 2013 when he took the USC job. Now, in the Alamo Bowl, he will meet his old team again.

Steve Sarkisian spoke about the changes that he’s made since his time with Washington ahead of the Alamo Bowl.

“I think the biggest thing I found out for me is how do you be Steve Sarkisian and not try to be Pete Carroll, not try to be Nick Saban but be me,” Steve Sarkisian said.

“And I think that has created a lot of comfort for myself and for our staff and for our players that they know what to expect on a daily basis from me, and ultimately I think your team starts to take on your own personality, and I think that we’ve got a good personality on our team.”

During his time at Washington, Steve Sarkisian had a 34-29 record in five seasons. Included in that was a 2-2 bowl record. This year’s Alamo Bowl is his first as the head coach of the Longhorns in two seasons.

“We work hard. We’re tough. We’re disciplined, but yet we know how to have fun together. I think that’s probably a little bit of a blend of both. I’m fortunate, man. I’ve got a chance to work under two of the best in our era of coaches. I don’t take that lightly. There’s a lot to be gained and a lot to be learned from both guys.”

Texas takes on Washington in the Alamo Bowl at 9:00 PM EST on December 29th.

Steve Sarkisian’s initial thoughts on Washington

Shortly after the bowl matchup was announced Steve Sarkisian gave his first impression of the Washington Huskies.

“They score a lot of points. These guys, they score a lot of points. They throw it around, man. Wish I could clinic with Coach [Kalen] DeBoer,” Steve Sarkisian said.

“Michael Penix, those receivers, they do a heck of a job. Their ability to rush the passer defensively and create havoc on the quarterback are issues. But they can score. They score on everybody. It doesn’t matter the helmet. Doesn’t matter who they’re playing. They go score. You got to be prepared to make sure you’re playing four quarters and score collectively against them because they can do it at a high, high level.”