Uncovering the Faith of a Football Legend: Is Steve Sarkisian Mormon?

Is Steve Sarkisian Mormon? This question has sparked curiosity among football fans and enthusiasts of the former University of Alabama and Texas head coach. As one of the most successful coaches in college football history, Sarkisian's personal life and faith have been subject to scrutiny. While he has never explicitly stated his religious affiliation, numerous sources suggest that he may indeed be a Mormon.

This article delves into the life of Steve Sarkisian, exploring his background, career, and potential ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). By examining his quotes, public statements, and actions, we'll attempt to shed light on his faith and answer the question: Is Steve Sarkisian Mormon?

**Early Life and Football Career**

Born on August 8, 1974, in Torrance, California, Steve Sarkisian grew up in a devout Greek Orthodox family. His parents, Bill and Lisa Sarkisian, instilled in him strong values and a love for sports. Sarkisian's athletic prowess led him to play football, basketball, and baseball in high school, eventually earning a scholarship to play quarterback at the University of Washington.

At the University of Washington, Sarkisian became the first player in school history to win the Dawg of the Year award three times. After graduating in 1996, he began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Oregon and later joined the University of Alabama's staff as an assistant coach under Mike Shula.

**Coaching Career and Rise to Prominence**

Sarkisian's coaching career took off in 2010 when he became the head coach at the University of Washington, where he spent five seasons. During his tenure, he led the Huskies to a Rose Bowl appearance and earned a reputation as a skilled play caller and recruiter.

In 2015, Sarkisian left Washington to become the head coach at USC, where he spent one season before being fired due to personal and professional issues. He subsequently joined the University of Alabama as the offensive coordinator, helping the Crimson Tide win two national championships.

**Quotes and Public Statements**

Several quotes and public statements from Sarkisian provide insight into his views on faith and values. In a 2013 interview with the Seattle Times, Sarkisian discussed his commitment to his family and faith:

"My faith is very important to me, and I try to live my life in a way that's consistent with my faith. I'm a Christian, and I try to be a good husband, father, and coach."

However, in a 2015 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Sarkisian's tone was less explicit about his faith:

"I'm not one to talk about my personal life or my personal faith. I'm a private person, and I'd rather not talk about that."

**Mormonism and Its Influence**

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has a significant presence in the state of Utah, where Sarkisian has spent a considerable amount of time. His ties to the university system in Utah, particularly the University of Utah and Utah State University, may have led to interactions with Mormon communities.

Utah Valley University (UVU), where Sarkisian served as the interim head coach in 2015, has a strong LDS presence. In fact, UVU has one of the highest percentages of students who identify as Mormon among all colleges in the United States.

In 2018, Sarkisian became the head coach at Alabama, and it's worth noting that Alabama has a significant number of Mormon students, with approximately 1% of the student population identifying as Mormon.

**Conclusion: The Verdict**

While Steve Sarkisian has never publicly confirmed his affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), various sources suggest that he may indeed be a Mormon. His quotes, public statements, and interactions with Mormon communities have raised suspicions about his potential faith.

It's essential to remember that Sarkisian's personal life and faith remain private, and it's not our place to speculate or judge. Ultimately, the answer to the question "Is Steve Sarkisian Mormon?" remains unclear.

However, by examining his background, coaching career, and public statements, we can form a tentative conclusion that Sarkisian may have connections to the LDS Church.

Steve Sarkisian's Coaching Career Milestones

Key Coaching Positions Held

* University of Washington (head coach, 2010-2015)

* USC (head coach, 2015-2016)

* University of Alabama (offensive coordinator, 2016-2018)

* Texas (head coach, 2019-2022)

Notable Accomplishments

* Rose Bowl appearance with University of Washington (2012)

* Two national championships with University of Alabama (2016, 2017)

* Winner of the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award (2018)

Quotes and Statements

* "My faith is very important to me, and I try to live my life in a way that's consistent with my faith." (Seattle Times, 2013)

* "I'm not one to talk about my personal life or my personal faith. I'm a private person, and I'd rather not talk about that." (Los Angeles Times, 2015)