Loreal Sarkisian Details Nick Saban Impact Before Texas Oklahoma Game

Loreal Sarkisian highlighted Nick Saban's role in Steve Sarkisian's career revival ahead of the Texas Longhorns' matchup with the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday, Oct. 10, as she attended the premiere of the ESPN Originals docuseries SABAN in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

According to Sports Illustrated, Loreal traveled to the premiere while Steve Sarkisian remained with Texas for Week 6 preparations. The coach, who joined Texas after rebuilding his career, was unable to attend the event.

Loreal Sarkisian said Saban and his wife, Terry Saban, provided important support during a difficult period in Steve Sarkisian's career.

"He and Miss Terry have been so instrumental in our lives," said Loreal Sarkisian.

She explained that Saban helped Steve Sarkisian during a low point after his departure from USC. Loreal said their support played a major role in his return to coaching success.

"They took us at a time in Steve’s career where it was low and not seeming promising. He adored him and loved on him and supported him and the rest is history really," said Loreal Sarkisian.

Loreal also described her personal relationship with Saban while reflecting on the support surrounding their family.

"Personally, I think me and Coach Saban are best friends, like me and him are closer than him and Steve. Don’t nobody really know that. Don’t nobody really know that," said Loreal Sarkisian.

Steve Sarkisian previously credited Saban with giving him an opportunity after USC fired him as head coach five games into the 2015 season. Saban hired him as an offensive analyst at Alabama in 2016.

"I've said this numerous times, but I would not be the head coach at Texas if it weren't for Nick Saban. He gave me a chance when I had a hard time getting an interview, never mind a job. There were days that I thought, 'Man, I'm never going to be a head coach again.

I'm never going to be an offensive coordinator again. I'm never going to get another job.'"," said Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns head coach.

Sarkisian later credited Saban with helping him rebuild professionally, while Saban emphasized Sarkisian's own effort in making that turnaround possible.

"Sark is the one who did the work," said Nick Saban, former Alabama head coach.

Saban added that his role was providing support and resources while Sarkisian handled the process of rebuilding his career.

"We supported him and made sure there were the right resources and people in place to help him, as we have with many others. But, listen, he saved his own career by doing a great job for us and rehabbing himself professionally, and I'm not just talking about personally, but professionally in a really, really positive way that impacted our program greatly and helped us be successful here," said Nick Saban.

Steve Sarkisian married Loreal Sarkisian in 2020 during his second stint with Alabama. Texas entered the Oklahoma game seeking to remain undefeated under Sarkisian's leadership.