Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian recently announced that he and his wife, Loreal, are getting a divorce. The couple described their split as amicable and expressed their desire to remain friends. They cited the demands of their respective careers as a contributing factor to their decision, as it made it difficult to prioritize time for each other. Despite the divorce, they plan to continue supporting each other both personally and professionally.
Steve and Loreal tied the knot in 2020 when Steve was the offensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban. They moved to Austin in 2021 after Sarkisian was named the head coach at Texas, where Loreal often showed her support at Longhorns football games. Loreal has a background in track and field, having attended North Carolina A&T and later becoming an assistant coach at Southern California in 2013. Steve, on the other hand, returned to USC as the head football coach in 2014.
Under Sarkisian’s leadership, the Texas football team showed improvement in their performance. They finished the 2021 season with eight wins and are currently preparing for their first season in the Southeastern Conference. The Longhorns are coming off a successful run to the College Football Playoff semifinals and were ranked as the No. 2 team in the SEC preseason poll, with the Georgia Bulldogs taking the top spot in the rankings. The team continues to work towards further success under Sarkisian’s guidance.
In their joint statement, Steve and Loreal expressed their gratitude for the love and support they have received from those around them. They also asked for understanding and privacy as they navigate this new chapter in their lives. The couple’s decision to part ways was not taken lightly, and they intend to make the transition as smooth as possible for themselves and those close to them. Despite the challenges they faced in balancing their careers and relationship, they remain committed to supporting each other moving forward.
The Sarkisians’ announcement comes as a surprise to many who have seen them as a united and supportive couple throughout Steve’s coaching career. Loreal’s presence at games and events has been a constant source of encouragement for Steve and the team. As they move forward separately, they plan to maintain a friendship and continue to show their support for each other personally and professionally. Their decision to prioritize their careers and personal well-being reflects a commitment to make the best choices for themselves moving forward.
As Steve Sarkisian continues to lead the Texas Longhorns football team, he will no doubt rely on the support of those around him during this challenging time. The team’s recent success and upcoming transition to the SEC add another layer of complexity to Sarkisian’s role as head coach. With the support of his colleagues, players, and fans, Sarkisian will navigate this new chapter in his personal life while continuing to focus on achieving success on the football field. The Sarkisians’ commitment to remaining friends and supporting each other is a testament to the strength of their relationship, even in the face of change and uncertainty.
