Texas Football Coach Steve Sarkisian and Wife Loreal Announce Divorce
In a surprising turn of events, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and his wife, Loreal, have announced they will jointly file for divorce after four years of marriage. The couple made the announcement via Instagram, citing career commitments as the primary reason for their split.
The Sarkisians, who married in 2020 when Steve was serving as the offensive coordinator for Alabama, expressed gratitude for their time together and emphasized their desire to remain friends. “After many heartfelt conversations, we have decided to amicably part ways and jointly file for divorce,” the post stated. “We aim to remain the best of friends and are incredibly grateful for the love and support we have shared throughout our journey together.”
Loreal Sarkisian, née Smith, is a former college track star who competed at North Carolina A&T and later transitioned into coaching roles at Florida and USC. She is Steve’s second wife, following his previous marriage, and has been a supportive figure throughout his coaching career.
The couple’s statement continued, “Our commitments to our respective careers made it difficult to prioritize time for each other, and this step will provide us with the necessary time and space professionally while continuing to support each other personally. While we appreciate all the love and encouragement we have received, we kindly ask for your understanding and respect for our privacy as we embark on this new chapter in our lives.”
Steve Sarkisian is entering his fourth year as head coach at Texas, with the 2024 season marking his first in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Under his leadership, the Longhorns reached their first College Football Playoff appearance last year, coming just one win shy of a national championship game berth. With a strong roster featuring returning stars and promising newcomers, the upcoming season holds significant potential for Sarkisian’s squad as they aim for both an SEC title and a shot at the national championship.
As the Texas football community processes this news, the focus will likely shift to Sarkisian’s ability to maintain his professional momentum while navigating this personal change. The coming months will reveal how this development impacts both his coaching performance and the Longhorns’ aspirations on the field.