How Alabama's Nick Saban Saved Texas HC Steve Sarkisian's Life

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian could have died had Nick Saban not mandated he and his staff to get a physical.

They say that everything in life happens for a reason, but for Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian that may saying is something that he likely truly values.

As documented on ESPN's College GameDay, the now Longhorn head coach who has led Texas to the College Football Playoff and a Big 12 title, could have died had it not been for a policy Nick Saban had in place at Alabama. The Crimson Tide head coach mandated that his staff all get their heart health checked prior to the season, following his father's passing at just age 46, which was due to heart issues. 

The special went as far as to say that Sarkisian was a "ticking time bomb" due to what was diagnosed as an aneurysm in his heart caused by a leaking valve. 

© Scott Wachter, USA TODAY

The physical also discovered that Sarkisian had only two heart valves, when you are supposed to have three. The severity was no joke either as his specific condition is known as the  “widowmaker” in the medical field. Surgery was required immediately, as he was operated on a few days later, and while the recovery time which included learning how to walk and talk again was expected to be a bit longer, Sarkisian was able to return and help lead Alabama to a national title.

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A season that led to him being offered the head coaching job at Texas.

"Anytime I talk about my journey my career where we're at today," said Sarkisian. "I would not be here without Nick Saban. To have this executive physical, he saved me."

In 2020, Steve Sarkisian was diagnosed with a heart condition that was a "ticking time bomb." He had open-heart surgery and, after the procedure, he needed to relearn how to walk and talk.

“I’m a better coach today, I’m a better man today because of that.” #CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/Wowv28gl2L

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) January 1, 2024

Sarkisian went on to say that he is better as a man and coach for this experience, and has a new perspective on life.

He and the Longhorns are set to face off against No. 2 Washington on Monday in the Allstate Sugar Bowl with a trip to the national championship on the line.