The 3 Trophies Sarkisian is really after, and he already has 1 of them

The Texas Longhorns will embark on their final two legs of a journey that started three years ago. Remember back on Jan. 2, 2021 when Chris Del Conte introduced Steve Sarkisian as the new head coach of the Texas Longhorns while Sarkisian was still at Alabama preparing to play for the National Championship?

Recall what Sarkisian said in his opening statement. His first words were honoring his mom and dad and he told the story of his dad reminding him that some 20 years prior he said to his dad that this was the best job in America. 

Fast forward to 2023 and here Texas is competing for the Big 12 Conference Championship. A win would bookend Texas’ time in the conference as they won the first Big 12 Championship in 1996.

Sarkisian knows success and has won two National Championships as an assistant coach at Alabama, three PAC-10 Championships while at USC, and two SEC Championships also at Alabama, and was also awarded the Broyles Award in 2020.

Sarkisian already has one of the most coveted trophies in all of college football. This trophy is not made of gold, bronze, or silver, yet its weight may be greater than one that is. Sarkisian took the Texas Longhorns to Tuscaloosa, Alabama and conquered one of the greatest coaches and teams in the history of college football. 

Checkmate!

The second trophy Sarkisian wants most is the Big 12 Championship. Not for himself, but for the team, for the players who have stuck with Texas when the chips were down three years ago, and believed in the program. Those players would ultimately become the heartbeat and soul of the team.

A Big 12 Championship gives the College Football Playoff committee an easy decision to allow Texas into the playoffs, provided Alabama wins against Georgia right after the Texas and OSU game.

As far as not being named the Big 12 Coach of the Year, Sarkisian most likely is genuinely happy for Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy for winning the award and celebrates Gundy for the recognition. It would be completely out of character for Sarkisian to be disgruntled for not getting the award.

Sarkisian respect for Mike Gundy, OSU, and all of college football far exceeds any trophy he may or may not win.

After all, Sarkisian has the best job in America, his heart is full.

| #HookEm