Introduction:
Steve Sarkisian, a well-known figure in the college football world, has had a rollercoaster career as a coach. While he has experienced some success, his performance has been marred by various setbacks and controversies. This blog post will take an in-depth look at the reasons why Steve Sarkisian's college football coaching career hasn't lived up to expectations.
- Inconsistency in Performance:
One of the most significant issues with Sarkisian's coaching career is his inconsistency. Despite having talented rosters and resources at his disposal, his teams have often underperformed. Sarkisian's tenure at the University of Washington was marked by a lack of sustained success, as the team never finished higher than third in the Pac-12 North division. Similarly, during his time at the University of Southern California (USC), the Trojans were unable to break through and claim a conference title.
- Lack of Discipline and Focus:
Sarkisian's teams have also been criticized for their lack of discipline and focus on and off the field. This has led to problems with penalties, turnovers, and other costly mistakes during games. Additionally, Sarkisian's coaching stints have been plagued by issues with player conduct, which has affected the overall team culture and performance.
- Personal Struggles and Controversies:
Unfortunately, Sarkisian's coaching career has been overshadowed by personal struggles and controversies. His time at USC came to an abrupt end in 2015 when he was fired due to alcohol-related incidents. This raised questions about his ability to lead a program and maintain a professional image. Although Sarkisian has taken steps to address his personal issues, these events have cast a shadow over his coaching career.
- Difficulty Adapting to Changing Game:
College football has evolved significantly over the past decade, and some critics argue that Sarkisian has struggled to adapt to these changes. His offensive schemes and play-calling have been described as predictable and outdated, making it difficult for his teams to keep up with innovative and dynamic opponents.
- High Expectations and Lack of Patience:
It's worth noting that Sarkisian has faced high expectations throughout his coaching career. As a former successful offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, he was expected to deliver immediate results at Washington and USC. The lack of patience from fans, alumni, and university officials may have contributed to the perception of Sarkisian's shortcomings as a head coach.
Conclusion:
While Steve Sarkisian has had some positive moments as a college football coach, his career has been marked by inconsistency, lack of discipline, personal struggles, and an inability to adapt to the changing landscape of college football. These factors have led to the perception that he has underperformed in his coaching roles. As he continues his coaching journey, it remains to be seen whether he can overcome these challenges and redefine his legacy in the college football world.