Steve Sarkisian is not a Mormon. Despite widespread fan speculation driven by his history playing college football at Brigham Young University, the Texas Longhorns head coach is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sarkisian is Catholic, a background rooted in his upbringing in Torrance, California, where he grew up as the youngest of seven children with Armenian and Irish heritage.
The confusion surrounding his faith stems almost entirely from his collegiate athletic career in the mid-1990s. When athletes transfer to or play for BYU—a private university sponsored by the LDS Church—observers often assume they share the religious affiliation of the institution. However, major college football programs regularly recruit talented players outside their university's faith traditions, and Sarkisian's time in Provo was strictly athletic and academic.
Why People Think Steve Sarkisian Is Mormon
The persistent rumor that Sarkisian is Mormon tracks back directly to his transfer to Brigham Young University ahead of the 1995 season. After playing junior college football at El Camino College in California, Sarkisian emerged as one of the nation's premier junior college quarterbacks.
BYU recruited him heavily to run their high-powered passing offense under legendary head coach LaVell Edwards. During his two years as the starting quarterback for the Cougars in 1995 and 1996, Sarkisian experienced massive success on the field:
- Led BYU to a 14-1 record and a Cotton Bowl victory during the 1996 season.
- Won the Sammy Baugh Trophy in 1996 as the nation's top college passer.
- Led the NCAA in passing efficiency and completion percentage during his senior year.
- Earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from BYU in 1997.
Because BYU is deeply synonymous with the LDS faith, athletes who star for the Cougars frequently deal with assumptions about their personal religious beliefs. Yet, non-LDS players have populated BYU rosters for decades, drawn by the program's football pedigree and offensive system rather than shared theology.
Steve Sarkisian’s Actual Faith and Background
Sarkisian follows Christianity, specifically within the Catholic tradition. Born on March 8, 1974, he was raised in a multi-ethnic household in Southern California. His father, Seb Sarkisian, immigrated to the United States from Tehran, Iran, and possessed Armenian roots. His mother, Sally, grew up in Boston with Irish heritage.
This mixed heritage shaped his early life in Torrance, but it did not involve membership in the LDS Church. Throughout his coaching career—spanning stops at USC, the Washington Huskies, the Atlanta Falcons, the Alabama Crimson Tide, and now the Texas Longhorns—his personal life and background have remained firmly rooted in his Christian upbringing.
The Reality of Non-LDS Athletes at BYU
Understanding why Sarkisian went to BYU helps clear up why sports fans often confuse the religious affiliations of high-profile coaches and players. BYU operates under an honor code that all students and athletes must follow, regardless of their personal faith. This code includes abstaining from alcohol, coffee, and premarital sex, alongside mandatory attendance at religious classes for students.
When secular players like Sarkisian commit to BYU, they agree to abide by the university's behavioral guidelines while on campus, but they do not convert or alter their underlying religious identities. College football history features numerous star quarterbacks and players who excelled in Provo before moving on to professional careers in the Canadian Football League or coaching ranks, all while maintaining their own distinct religious backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Steve Sarkisian ever convert to the LDS Church?
No. Sarkisian maintained his Catholic upbringing throughout his time at BYU and has never been a member of the LDS Church.
Where did Steve Sarkisian play college football?
He played his freshman and sophomore seasons at El Camino College in California before transferring to Brigham Young University for his junior and senior years.
What is Steve Sarkisian's ethnic and cultural background?
He is of Armenian and Irish descent. His father immigrated from Iran, and his mother grew up in Boston.
Who is Steve Sarkisian currently coaching?
He serves as the head football coach for the University of Texas at Austin Longhorns, a position he has held since 2021.
