Texas Longhorns' Steve Sarkisian Finalist for Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award
AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian is a finalist for the 2023 Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award, per an announcement Thursday.
The award recognizes the winning coach “for contributions that make sport better for athletes & fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity & a winning approach to coaching & life."
Here are the other finalists:
- David Braun, Northwestern
- Jamey Chadwell, Liberty
- Kalen DeBoer, Washington
- Eliah Drinkwitz, Missouri
- Rhett Lashlee, SMU
- Mike Norvell, Florida State
- Nick Saban, Alabama
Steve Sarkisian
© Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman
Sarkisian, 49, has led the Longhorns to a Big 12 title and an appearance in the College Football Playoff so far this season in just his third year at the helm. Texas went 5-7 during his first season in 2021 and then 8-5 in his second season last year. All five of those losses were one-score games, showing the Longhorns had improved but were still a step away headed into 2023.
But while living up to and then exceeding expectations, Sarkisian has led Texas to its best season in nearly 15 years, as The Longhorns have a 12-1 record headed into the CFP Semifinal matchup with Washington at the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day.
The 12 victories are the most for the Longhorns since 2009 and marks the fourth season in program history with 12-plus wins (2005, 2008, 2009). The Longhorns' seven-game win streak is also the longest since 2008-09 (17 games).
Sarkisian and the Longhorns will kickoff from the Caesars Superdome against Washington on Monday, Jan. 1.
