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The Unconventional Playbook: How Pete Golding and Steve Sarkisian Used a Difficult Truth to Land Arch Manning
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Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 2:21 GMT by on3.com🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The recruitment of Arch Manning, arguably the most sought-after quarterback in modern football history, was a spectacle unlike any other. While legions of coaches courted him with promises of playing time and championship aspirations, one element often overlooked – the influence of former offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian’s past struggles with alcohol – played a surprisingly pivotal role in securing his commitment to Texas. According to a recent report by On3's Hayes Gardener Jr., Pete Golding, now defensive coordinator at Alabama, leveraged his knowledge of Sarkisian’s journey and recovery process to build trust with Manning and his family, ultimately swaying the five-star prospect towards Austin.
The story isn't about minimizing or excusing past issues; rather, it highlights a unique and arguably unorthodox approach to recruitment that resonated with the Manning camp. Golding, who previously served as an analyst under Sarkisian at Alabama, witnessed firsthand the former coordinator’s battles with alcohol addiction and his subsequent commitment to sobriety. This experience provided him with a level of understanding and empathy that few others could offer.
The key wasn't to dwell on the past but to showcase its transformative power. Golding, in conversations with Arch Manning and his father, Cooper Manning (a former star wide receiver himself), openly acknowledged Sarkisian’s history. However, he framed it not as a liability, but as a testament to resilience, accountability, and personal growth. He emphasized Sarkisian's dedication to recovery, the support system he had in place, and the lessons learned from his experiences.
"Pete understood that Arch and his family weren't looking for perfection," explained one source close to the Manning recruitment. "They were looking for authenticity and a genuine commitment to doing things right. Pete’s willingness to address the elephant in the room – Sarkisian’s past – demonstrated a level of transparency and honesty that they appreciated."
This wasn't about exploiting vulnerability; it was about demonstrating character. Golding presented Sarkisian not as someone defined by his struggles, but as an individual who had faced adversity head-on and emerged stronger. He highlighted the support system surrounding Sarkisian, including his family, coaches, and medical professionals, emphasizing that he was actively maintaining his sobriety and operating under strict accountability measures.
The strategy extended beyond simply acknowledging the past. Golding also used his understanding of Sarkisian’s coaching philosophy to articulate a clear vision for Manning's development within the Texas offense. He explained how Sarkisian’s system would leverage Manning’s strengths, allowing him to thrive as a quarterback while fostering his growth as a leader.
The report also details another intriguing element: Golding’s playful and informal relationship with Nick Saban, Alabama’s legendary head coach. According to sources, Golding referred to Saban as "Daddy" in text messages, a seemingly lighthearted dynamic that further underscored the comfort level and trust he had built within the coaching world. While this detail might seem trivial, it contributed to the overall impression of authenticity and genuine connection that Golding cultivated with the Manning family.
The success of this unconventional recruitment strategy raises questions about the evolving landscape of college football recruiting. In an era dominated by social media hype and carefully crafted narratives, the willingness to be transparent and address difficult topics can be a powerful differentiator. It suggests that recruits are increasingly seeking more than just promises of playing time; they’re looking for genuine connections with coaches who demonstrate integrity, empathy, and a commitment to personal growth.
While other programs undoubtedly presented compelling arguments for Manning's services – including Georgia, Stanford, and Oxford – the Texas approach, spearheaded by Golding’s unique understanding of Sarkisian’s journey, ultimately proved decisive. It wasn't about hiding from the past; it was about using it as a tool to build trust and demonstrate character.
The impact of this recruitment extends beyond simply landing Arch Manning. It serves as a case study for other programs looking to innovate their recruiting strategies. While replicating Golding’s approach may not be feasible in every situation, the underlying principle – prioritizing authenticity and transparency – is likely to become increasingly valuable in the competitive world of college football recruiting. The story of how Pete Golding leveraged a difficult truth to secure Arch Manning's commitment is a testament to the power of vulnerability, resilience, and the enduring importance of genuine human connection. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most unconventional playbook can lead to the biggest victories.