Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian recently revealed some significant personal news: he and his wife, Loreal, are separating.
In a joint announcement, both Steve and Loreal characterized their parting as amicable. Even though they are moving forward with divorce proceedings, they expressed their commitment to remaining “the best of friends.”
“After many heartfelt discussions, we have decided to part ways amicably and file for divorce together,” the statement stated. “We are dedicated to staying the best of friends and are immensely grateful for the love and support we have provided each other throughout our relationship.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns speaks during SEC Football Media Days at Omni Dallas Hotel on July 17, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Tim Warner/Getty Images)
The couple also noted the pressures of their careers. Loreal is a professional wardrobe stylist, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
“Our professional commitments made it challenging to prioritize time together, and this decision will allow us the necessary time and space to focus on our careers while continuing to support each other personally.”
STEVE SARKISIAN: ARCH MANNING SERVING AS BACKUP QB HAS BEEN ‘PRETTY SIMPLE FOR HIM’
Their statement concluded with thanks to their supporters and a request for privacy during this time.
“We are grateful for all the love and support we have received and kindly ask for your understanding and privacy as we navigate this new chapter in our lives.”
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian meets his wife Loreal Sarkisian after the 37-10 win over Rice at Royal-Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sep. 2, 2023 in Austin. (Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Steve and Loreal were married in 2020, while Steve was serving as the offensive coordinator under Nick Saban at Alabama. The couple moved to Austin in 2021 when Sarkisian took on the head coach position for Texas. Over the years, Loreal has been a familiar face at Longhorns football games, cheering on Sarkisian and the team.
Loreal, a North Carolina A&T alumna, excelled as a track athlete and began her coaching career as an assistant at Southern California in 2013. Sarkisian had also returned to USC to coach the Trojans before the start of the 2014 season.
Loreal Sarkisian, wife of Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, raises the sign of the horns in the endzone before the game against Alabama at Royal Memorial Stadium on Sep. 10, 2022. (Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Under Sarkisian, Texas recorded a 5-7 record in 2021 but showed significant improvement with eight wins in 2022.
As he prepares the Longhorns for their first season in the Southeastern Conference, the team is coming off a run to the College Football Playoff semifinal, ranking as the No. 2 team in this year’s SEC preseason poll. The Georgia Bulldogs topped the conference’s preseason rankings.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
