“Reap What You Sow”: $70 Million Richer After Nick Saban’s Retirement, Steve Sarkisian Opens up on Rejecting the Alabama Job

Even months later, the NFL world cannot get over the fact that Alabama Crimson Tide is no longer in the hands of the great Nick Saban. But now that the dust has settled and Kalen DeBoer has settled in his new role, Texas Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian has come up with a new confession that would startle the fans and analysts alike. Sarkisian revealed that he had considered taking up Saban’s role at Crimson Tide.

However, his thoughts did not last for long, but the coach acknowledged the chances of taking the lead charge. There lies a secret behind this decision that made Sarkisian $70 million richer.  

Sarkisian not keen to go back to Alabama

Sarkisian joined the Crimson Tide as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in January 2019. In his latest interview, Sarkisian revealed how the thought of replacing his boss crossed his mind then, saying, “Naturally, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about it.” However, he did not allow it to reign for much time and further confessed how he stepped back from materializing the plan into reality. Sarkisian claimed, “But it took me all of about 60 seconds to say, ‘Yeah, I’m not doing that.’ I had an awesome two years at Alabama and loved my time under Coach Saban, but ultimately you want to reap what you sow.” 

Even after his retirement, Saban did have an impact on the Texas Longhorns HC. Being scared about the chances of being poached to Crimson Tide, the Longhorns offered the HC a $70 million contract. Hence he chose to be loyal to the Longhorns and decided not to move forward in taking up Saban’s position.  But the Sarkisian-Saban bond is still something that Alabama fans miss.    

Saban’s immense confidence in Sarkisian

Saban gave Sarkisian a breakthrough by being one of the younger coaches. At Tuscaloosa, the now-Texas coach received immense support from Saban. The coaching giant gave him a chance following his firing from USC. Later on, Sarkisian’s stint with Los Angeles has also been a big fail. But Saban did not allow these downfalls to come in the way of pursuing Sarkisian.

Later in an interview the Alabama coach proudly claimed,  “I think Sark is one of the best coaches we’ve ever been around when it comes to offense. He’s got a great disposition with players, he’s a great teacher. He’s got a great understanding of the game, really understands defense”. Going by the reports, Saban once told Sarkisian that he would be the one taking up his role once Saban was away. However, in the meantime, he received an offer from Texas Longhorns and the coach had to give his approval.  

However, Sarkisian seems to carry no regrets about his stints with the Longhorns now that he ushered in success leading Texas to its best record since 2009. But being under Saban’s tutelage, it would have been an otherwise interesting journey for Alabama to have him as Saban’s replacement.