**Steve Sarkisian Wins NCAA Football Coach of the Year for His Outstanding 2024 Season, Leading Texas to Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff**
In a season full of drama, passion, and incredible performances, Steve Sarkisian has earned recognition as the NCAA Football Coach of the Year for the 2024 season. His remarkable leadership transformed the Texas Longhorns into one of the most dominant forces in college football, culminating in a Big 12 Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). This achievement not only elevated Texas back into the national conversation but also solidified Sarkisian’s status as one of the most promising and accomplished coaches in the country.
### **A Transformation in Austin**
When Steve Sarkisian arrived in Austin in 2021, he inherited a program struggling with inconsistency and unmet expectations. The Longhorns had experienced flashes of brilliance, but they had not been able to sustain success on a national level. Texas football, once the epitome of dominance in the late 20th century, had not won a conference championship since 2009 and had been absent from the College Football Playoff since its inception in 2014.
Sarkisian’s arrival marked the beginning of a long-awaited rebuild. His offensive-minded approach and emphasis on discipline, player development, and recruiting were set to change the trajectory of the program. In his first two years, Sarkisian showed signs of progress, but it wasn’t until 2024 that his vision truly came to fruition.
The 2024 season proved to be a breakthrough for Texas. The Longhorns finished with an impressive 12-1 record, claiming the Big 12 Championship and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time in over a decade. It was a season defined by an explosive offense, a tenacious defense, and, most importantly, an unwavering belief in Sarkisian’s plan.
### **Offensive Mastery and Development of Quinn Ewers**
One of the most striking aspects of the 2024 Texas season was the development of quarterback Quinn Ewers, who emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the country under Sarkisian’s tutelage. Ewers, who had shown flashes of brilliance in his first few seasons but struggled with consistency, took a massive leap forward in 2024. He finished the regular season with over 4,000 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and a completion percentage of nearly 70%. His ability to read defenses, his deep ball accuracy, and his overall poise in big moments were all on full display as the Longhorns dominated the Big 12.
Sarkisian, a former offensive coordinator with stints at Alabama and USC, has long been regarded as one of the brightest offensive minds in college football. His ability to develop quarterbacks is well-documented, and the transformation of Ewers into a Heisman Trophy candidate was perhaps the most visible testament to his coaching acumen. Sarkisian’s offensive schemes, built on a blend of pro-style principles and innovative play designs, allowed Ewers to thrive and, in turn, helped Texas develop one of the most potent offenses in the country.
However, Sarkisian’s offensive genius was not just about Ewers. Texas boasted a powerful running game, led by a stable of talented running backs that included Jahdae Barron and Jonathan Brooks. The offensive line, which had been a source of frustration in previous seasons, played one of its best campaigns in recent memory, opening up running lanes and providing Ewers with the protection he needed to excel in the pocket. The balance between the passing and running game kept opponents on their heels, and Texas became one of the most difficult offenses to defend in the country.
### **A Resurgent Defense Under Pete Kwiatkowski**
While Sarkisian’s offense garnered much of the attention, the Longhorns’ defense also played a pivotal role in their success. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, who has coached at Washington and under Sarkisian at multiple stops, guided a defense that was aggressive, fast, and opportunistic. Texas’ defensive line was one of the best in the country, with standout performances from defensive end Barryn Sorrell and linebacker Jaylan Ford. The secondary, led by All-American cornerback Jalen Catalon, was equally impressive, forcing turnovers and preventing big plays from opponents.
Texas’ defense allowed just 19 points per game in 2024, ranking among the top 20 in the nation. The combination of a dominant pass rush and a secondary that could lock down receivers allowed the Longhorns to control the tempo of games and keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Sarkisian’s emphasis on playing complementary football—where the offense and defense work in tandem—was a key ingredient to Texas’ success.
### **The Big 12 Championship**
The pinnacle of Texas’ season came in the Big 12 Championship Game, where they faced off against a resilient Kansas State team. The game, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was a fitting culmination to a season of dominance and determination. Texas entered the game as the No. 3 team in the country, with aspirations of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The Longhorns didn’t disappoint. In front of a raucous crowd, they delivered a complete performance, defeating Kansas State 38-21. Ewers was outstanding, throwing for 320 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense stifled Kansas State’s offense with multiple sacks and turnovers. The victory not only secured the Big 12 title but also sealed Texas’ place in the College Football Playoff, marking the end of a 15-year drought for the program.
### **Sarkisian’s Coaching Journey and Legacy**
For Steve Sarkisian, winning the NCAA Football Coach of the Year award in 2024 is a validation of his vision, hard work, and patience. Sarkisian’s coaching career has had its ups and downs. He has faced personal challenges and setbacks, including a well-documented struggle with alcoholism. However, his resilience and dedication to the craft of coaching have been undeniable. His ability to adapt, learn, and grow has been evident throughout his career, and his success at Texas is the culmination of years of persistence and refinement.
Sarkisian’s leadership is not just about football; it’s about developing young men both on and off the field. His players have consistently praised him for his ability to connect with them, motivate them, and help them become better individuals. His approach to coaching—focused on building relationships, fostering accountability, and creating a winning culture—has helped transform the Texas football program from a team with potential into a national contender.
### **The Future of Texas Football**
Looking ahead, Sarkisian has Texas poised for continued success. The Longhorns will be transitioning to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2024, a move that promises to bring new challenges and opportunities. But with Sarkisian at the helm, there is reason to believe that Texas will not only survive in the SEC but thrive. With a dynamic offense, a stifling defense, and one of the top recruiting classes in the country, the Longhorns are set to compete at the highest level for years to come.
Steve Sarkisian’s 2024 Coach of the Year award is a well-deserved recognition of his transformative work at Texas. He has brought the Longhorns back to national prominence, and with a talented roster and an innovative approach to the game, he is well on his way to making Texas a perennial College Football Playoff contender. The 2024 season may just be the beginning of a new era of excellence in Austin.
