BREAKING NEWS: Steve Sarkisian’s Newborn Rushed to Hospital After Developing Skin Infection
Family in Shock as Texas Longhorns Head Coach Faces Medical Emergency with Infant Child

A Sudden Medical Emergency Shakes the Sarkisian Household

Austin, Texas – April 7, 2025

In an unexpected and deeply personal development for one of college football’s most recognized figures, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and his family were thrust into emotional turmoil today when their newborn baby was urgently transported to a hospital in Austin, Texas, after exhibiting signs of a potentially serious skin infection.

Sources close to the Sarkisian family confirmed to media outlets early Monday morning that the child—born just a few weeks ago—was experiencing rapidly spreading skin irritation, swelling, and a high fever. These symptoms prompted an emergency call to pediatric specialists, leading to an ambulance dispatch to the family’s residence in Travis County.

What We Know So Far: Timeline of the Emergency

• 6:42 AM (CST) – The Sarkisian family reportedly noticed significant changes in the baby’s skin, including redness, inflammation, and what appeared to be blistering on parts of the torso and face.
• 6:58 AM (CST) – A pediatrician advised the family to immediately seek emergency care due to concerns about a possible bacterial infection or a more serious condition like Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS).
• 7:15 AM (CST) – EMS arrived at the scene and transported the baby to Dell Children’s Medical Center, one of the leading pediatric facilities in Central Texas.
• 9:05 AM (CST) – Sarkisian’s wife, Loreal Sarkisian, was seen entering the medical center with the couple’s other children, while Steve was observed speaking with doctors and hospital staff.

Initial Medical Reports: Infection Likely but Stable Condition

Though full diagnostic results have yet to be publicly confirmed, initial statements from hospital sources indicate that the child is stable but being monitored intensively for bacterial infection, with doctors working to determine whether the illness is due to:

• A Staphylococcus aureus infection (a common but potentially serious bacteria found on skin),
• An allergic reaction triggering dermatitis or inflammation,
• Or, less likely, a congenital skin condition that worsened due to environmental triggers.

Doctors have reportedly begun a broad-spectrum antibiotic regimen and are conducting blood cultures and skin biopsies to pinpoint the source of the issue.

Family and Team Rally Around Sarkisian

Support for the Sarkisian family has poured in from across the college football landscape, with the University of Texas athletics department releasing a brief statement:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Sarkisian and his family during this difficult time. The health and well-being of their child is the top priority, and the entire Longhorn community stands with them.”

Several current and former players, including quarterback Quinn Ewers and linebacker Jaylan Ford, posted messages of support on social media, urging fans to send prayers and good energy to the Sarkisian family.

Sarkisian Cancels Monday Team Activities to Remain at Hospital

In light of the emergency, Coach Sarkisian has reportedly canceled all in-person team meetings, practices, and media obligations scheduled for Monday, April 7. Associate head coach Jeff Banks is expected to oversee any essential operations during Sarkisian’s absence.

This comes just two weeks after Texas wrapped up spring practices, with the team entering the final stretch of offseason preparations ahead of their much-anticipated 2025 season debut in the SEC. With high expectations for the Longhorns’ performance this fall, Sarkisian’s sudden absence is a significant disruption—but one the team understands fully.

“Family comes first, no matter the circumstances,” said Coach Banks in a brief statement. “We’re all praying for Coach Sark and his family.”

A Look at Steve Sarkisian’s Journey as a Coach and Father

Steve Sarkisian, 50, has spoken openly in past interviews about the importance of family and fatherhood in his life. The birth of his newest child marked a joyful chapter in his personal life, coming during a period of professional success as he continues to build Texas into a national powerhouse.

This recent development, however, adds an unexpected emotional challenge. Friends and colleagues describe him as a “devoted father” and “present husband,” often balancing the intense pressure of coaching with unwavering commitment to his loved ones.

Medical Experts Weigh In: What Skin Infections Can Mean for Newborns

Pediatric dermatologists and infectious disease experts have weighed in on the severity of skin infections in newborns, emphasizing that while many such infections can appear alarming, they are often treatable if addressed quickly.

“Newborns are particularly susceptible to infections due to their underdeveloped immune systems,” explained Dr. Karen Maldonado, a pediatrician at Texas Children’s Hospital. “A fast response is critical, and it sounds like the Sarkisian family acted swiftly and responsibly.”

Some of the most common causes of newborn skin infections include:

• Staph or strep bacteria entering small breaks in the skin
• Eczema or cradle cap worsening into secondary infections
• Allergic reactions to lotions, detergents, or environmental irritants
• Systemic infections that present with skin symptoms

Treatment generally includes topical or intravenous antibiotics, fluids, and observation in a neonatal unit.

Public Support Grows Online: ‘Longhorn Nation Has Your Back’

Since news of the emergency broke, fans and fellow parents have flooded social media with messages of support and compassion, using hashtags like #PrayForBabySark and #LonghornStrong.

One fan tweeted:

“Coach Sark has done so much for this program. Now it’s our turn to lift him up. Praying hard for the little one.”

Another message read:

“Sending all the love in the world to the Sarkisians. Nothing scarier than seeing your baby sick. We’re all rooting for a full recovery.”

What Comes Next: Recovery Timeline and Family Focus

As of now, there is no official update on how long the baby will remain in the hospital, though insiders believe doctors will keep the infant under observation for at least 48 to 72 hours depending on how well they respond to antibiotics and whether the infection appears to be localized or systemic.

The Sarkisian family is expected to issue a more detailed statement once doctors are able to provide a full diagnosis. For now, their focus remains entirely on the child’s recovery, with university officials providing support and flexibility.

Final Thoughts: Football Can Wait—Family Comes First

In a high-stakes sport like college football, where every moment is planned and every decision scrutinized, this situation serves as a reminder that life’s most critical battles happen far from stadium lights. For Steve Sarkisian, the only scoreboard that matters right now is inside a hospital room, where his newborn child is fighting off an infection with the support of a loving family and an army of fans behind them.

This story is developing and will be updated as more details emerge.

Stay with us for continuous updates as this situation unfolds.