Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian undergoes heart surgery, full recovery expected

Alabama football announced Steve Sarkisian underwent heart surgery last week.

Amidst a bevy of concerns on campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian has health problems tied to another issue entirely.

Upon his preseason physical last week, Alabama’s medical staff discovered that Sarkisian “needed a procedure to correct a congenital cardiovascular anomaly,” per the University’s official statement.

Thankfully, such a serious surgery went on without a hitch, and Sarkisian is in recovery. The Alabama OC should be recovered in time for the regular season, whenever that may be, assuming there aren’t any clear setbacks.

Steve Sarkisian underwent surgery for a congenital heart failure last week.

Congenital heart failures typically develop before birth and can change the blood flow in the organ, making it especially dangerous if gone undetected, per the Mayo Clinic. As the body develops, it’s not uncommon to find such an issue in a full-grown adult, as was reportedly the case here with Sarkisian. Such defects can be life-threatening, but per Alabama Sarkisian’s had no complications up to this point.

Sarkisian is entering his second year as the full-time offensive coordinator in Tuscaloosa, and his previous experience coaching the USC Trojans and building the Atlanta Falcons offense could pay dividends for a team that, while talented, will have to replace the likes of Tua Tagovailoa. In Year 1, Sark’s offense averaged nearly eight yards-per-play, which set a school record.

Under Nick Saban, Sarkisian is rehabilitating himself into a prospective head coaching candidate once again. At just 46-years-old, he could have an exciting head coaching career ahead of him, making it all the more important that he continues to take his health seriously in the coming months, especially as the pandemic threatens not just the college football season, but those in recovery from serious medical procedures or with pre-existing conditions.

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