Steve Sarkisian Former Wife: A Detailed Look at His Personal Life, Marriage

Steve Sarkisian former wife, they are usually looking to understand an important chapter in the life of one of college football’s most recognisable coaches. Steve Sarkisian is widely known for his football mind, leadership at major programs, and current role as head coach of the Texas Longhorns. However, like many public figures, his life off the field has also drawn attention—especially his marriage, divorce, and personal challenges during that period. This article provides a comprehensive, respectful, and factual look at Steve Sarkisian’s former wife, their marriage, family life, the circumstances surrounding their divorce, and how Sarkisian moved forward both personally and professionally. The goal is to inform, not speculate, while offering context that helps readers better understand the man behind the headlines.
Who Is Steve Sarkisian?
Before discussing Steve Sarkisian former wife, it is helpful to understand who Steve Sarkisian is and why his personal life attracts interest.
Steve Sarkisian is an American football coach and former quarterback. He played college football at Brigham Young University (BYU) and later transitioned into coaching, quickly building a reputation as an innovative offensive mind. Over the years, he has held prominent coaching positions at institutions such as USC, Washington, Alabama, and Texas.
Sarkisian’s career has included both impressive achievements and very public struggles, making his life story one of resilience, accountability, and growth. His marriage and divorce occurred during a particularly turbulent phase of his career, which is why interest in Steve Sarkisian former wife remains strong.
Steve Sarkisian Former Wife: Who Is Stephanie Sarkisian?
The answer to the question of Steve Sarkisian former wife is Stephanie Sarkisian.
Stephanie Sarkisian was married to Steve Sarkisian for many years, long before he reached the peak of national recognition as a head coach at powerhouse programs. Unlike her former husband, Stephanie has largely stayed out of the public spotlight, maintaining a private life focused on family rather than media exposure.
She is most often mentioned in connection with Steve Sarkisian’s personal life during his early coaching career and the years leading up to their 2015 divorce.
The Marriage of Steve and Stephanie Sarkisian

Steve Sarkisian and Stephanie Sarkisian were married in 1997. Their marriage began well before Steve became a household name in college football coaching circles.
During their marriage:
- Steve worked his way up the coaching ranks
- The family relocated multiple times due to coaching opportunities
- Stephanie played the role of a coach’s spouse, supporting a demanding and mobile career
Life as a coach’s family is often stressful, involving long hours, constant relocations, public scrutiny, and intense pressure. For many years, the Sarkisians navigated these challenges together while raising their children.
Children and Family Life
One of the most important aspects of Steve Sarkisian’s marriage to his former wife is their family.
Steve and Stephanie Sarkisian have three children together. Throughout interviews and public appearances, Steve Sarkisian has consistently expressed love and responsibility toward his children, even after the end of his marriage.
While the children themselves remain private individuals, Sarkisian has occasionally spoken about fatherhood as a grounding force in his life, especially during difficult personal periods.
The Divorce: When and Why Did It Happen?
Interest in Steve Sarkisian former wife increased significantly in 2015, when news of the couple’s divorce became public.
Filing and Timing
- Stephanie Sarkisian filed for divorce in April 2015
- The reason cited was irreconcilable differences
- The divorce occurred while Steve Sarkisian was the head coach at USC
The timing of the divorce coincided with a challenging period in Sarkisian’s career, marked by professional scrutiny and personal struggles.
Public Attention
Because Sarkisian was a high-profile coach at a major football program, the divorce received media coverage. However, both parties largely avoided public statements, keeping details of the separation private and respectful.
Personal Struggles During the Marriage Breakdown
When discussing Steve Sarkisian former wife, it is impossible to ignore the broader personal challenges Sarkisian faced around the time of their divorce.
In 2015, Steve Sarkisian publicly acknowledged struggles related to alcohol use. These challenges contributed to his dismissal from USC and marked a turning point in his life.
It is important to note:
- Sarkisian took responsibility for his actions
- He later sought treatment and support
- He has openly discussed sobriety and recovery
While no detailed public statements directly link these struggles to the divorce, the overlap in timing suggests a period of intense personal difficulty for the entire family.
Life After Divorce for Steve Sarkisian

Following the divorce from his former wife Stephanie, Steve Sarkisian entered a period of rebuilding—both personally and professionally.
Professional Recovery
After stepping away from coaching, Sarkisian returned gradually, rebuilding trust within the football community. His comeback included:
- Joining Alabama’s coaching staff under Nick Saban
- Winning national championships as an offensive coordinator
- Earning the head coaching position at the University of Texas
His professional resurgence is often cited as one of the most notable redemption arcs in modern college football.
Personal Growth
Sarkisian has spoken publicly about:
- Commitment to sobriety
- Accountability for past mistakes
- Personal growth and self-awareness
These themes have reshaped his public image and influenced how fans and analysts view his leadership.
Did Steve Sarkisian Remarry?
Another reason people search for Steve Sarkisian former wife is to understand his relationship status after divorce.
Yes, Steve Sarkisian later remarried. He married Loreal Smith Sarkisian, a former track athlete and fashion stylist, who has since become a visible figure alongside him at Texas. However, Loreal Sarkisian is not his former wife—Stephanie Sarkisian holds that distinction.
This distinction is important, as online searches sometimes confuse the two.
Why Public Interest in Steve Sarkisian’s Former Wife Persists
The continued interest in Steve Sarkisian former wife stems from several factors:
- High-profile coaching career
- Public personal struggles and recovery
- Timing of the divorce during a major career downturn
- Inspiration narrative of resilience and redemption
Fans often seek to understand the full story of public figures, especially when those figures openly acknowledge personal growth and transformation.
Respecting Privacy While Telling the Story
While Steve Sarkisian is a public figure, his former wife Stephanie Sarkisian is not. She has largely remained private, and there is limited verified information available about her life after the divorce.
Responsible discussions of Steve Sarkisian former wife focus on:
- Verified facts
- Respectful language
- Avoidance of speculation or rumors
This approach ensures the topic is handled with fairness and dignity.
Conclusion: Understanding the Role of Steve Sarkisian’s Former Wife in His Life Story
The topic of Steve Sarkisian former wife goes beyond a mere biographical detail—it reflects a meaningful chapter in the life of a coach who has experienced both significant setbacks and remarkable growth.
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