Sun Nov 16 00:40:00 UTC 2025: Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian Has a Cher Connection
By The Sporting News Staff
AUSTIN, Texas — Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, is known for his fiery coaching style and offensive prowess. But beyond the gridiron, Sarkisian has an unexpected connection to Hollywood royalty: the one and only Cher.
The connection comes through Sarkisian’s wife, Loreal, who is related to Cher’s late ex-husband, Sonny Bono. While the exact familial degree is distant, the link establishes Sarkisian as being loosely related by marriage to the extended family of the iconic singer and actress.
While Sarkisian focuses on winning the SEC, his connection to Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian, adds an intriguing layer to his public persona. Sarkisian is not directly related to Cher by blood. He is married to Loreal Sarkisian, who is related to Sonny Bono, Cher’s musical partner and first husband.
Sarkisian grew up in Torrance, California, and his father, Seb, is of Armenian descent. Sarkisian’s wife, Loreal, had an impressive athletic career in track and field.
First Piper 