Steve Sarkisian reflects on retirements of Pete Carroll, Nick Saban after East-West Shrine Bowl induction

Jan. 10 was a significant day in the football coaching world. Pete Carroll and Nick Saban stepped away from their positions and likely will not coach in 2024, as both leave the game as legends. Steve Sarkisian had the opportunity to work under both Carroll and Saban, being the offensive coordinator and USC and Alabama in his career.

So when the duo made their announcements on the same day, it was a special moment for Sarkisian. He had the opportunity to speak to both and celebrated the fantastic careers they went through. Sarkisian has been honest in the past and reaffirmed it on Wednesday after being inducted into the East-West Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame.

Without having Carroll and Saban as mentors, he would not be where he is today.

“Without those two men, I wouldn’t be here today as the head coach of the University of Texas,” Sarkisian said. “I’m very grateful, thankful, humbled, honored — all of those things to have spoke to them both that day.

“And I was celebrating them, I was congratulating them, quite frankly, on just a tremendous career that both of them have had. The impact that they’ve had on our game. Not only at the collegiate level but at the professional level.”

Sarkisian is working toward having similar types of success as his two mentors. This past season with Texas was a good start, winning the program’s first Big 12 championship since 2009 and making the College Football Playoff.

Neither Carroll nor Saban were able to watch Sarkisian in action, having their own coaching duties. Saban was competing for the national championship alongside Sarkisian, winning the SEC and being on the other side of the four-team playoff.

Carroll was in the heat of an NFC Wild Card race, one Seattle ultimately fell short of.

Texas is hoping they can sustain the success from 2023, even moving into the SEC. Sarkisian hopes his two mentors can come to the 40 Acres to support him. In return, he wants to be a highlight of their respective coaching tree.

“My goal is that we can play in some big games down the road and those two guys can come and support us,” Sarkisian said. “I think that’s part of leaving a legacy. Other coaches that have worked for you, what have they gone on to do? Now that they have a little bit more time on their hands, hopefully, they can come down to Austin, and watch us play.”