After seven years as a Bengals scout, Sarkisian is returning to Northwestern, where he attended school and earned his Master of Arts in Sports Administration. (Jonah Meadows/Patch)
EVANSTON, IL — Former Cincinnati Bengals scout Christian Sarkisian is joining Northwestern University's Department of Athletics and Recreation as its General manager, the university announced.
After seven years as a Bengals scout, Sarkisian is returning to Northwestern, where he attended school and earned his Master of Arts in Sports Administration. Sarkisian also worked as the Assistant Director of Player Personnel and Recruiting Assistant from 2015 to 2017.
"I am honored to return to Evanston as the GM of Northwestern Athletics," said Sarkisian. "After seven years learning from the greatest of football minds and leaders, I feel ready to help add to the legacy of Northwestern's athletic programs. From growing up never missing a Saturday at Ryan Field to helping build rosters that won bowl games and went to the Big Ten Championship, I've learned, and have been raised by, the Northwestern standard of excellence, and I look forward to doing my part to elevate our athletic programs."
As General Manager, Sarkisian will oversee the operational functions related to the NCAA House settlement and its impact on all the university's intercollegiate athletics programs. He will also oversee all aspects of salary cap management for Northwestern Athletics, with a primary emphasis on football.
In this position, Sarkisian will also lead student-athlete evaluations, contract negotiations and will be accountable for the Name, Image and Likeness clearinghouse.
"We are thrilled to welcome Christian back to Northwestern and into a role that is vital to the future of our athletics program," said Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Mark Jackson. "Christian brings a wealth of experience from his time in the NFL and his previous work here in Evanston, particularly in areas such as student-athlete evaluation, recruitment and strategic resources. His perspective and leadership will be instrumental as we navigate a rapidly changing college athletics environment and continue to support our student-athletes at the highest level."
During his time with the Bengals, Sarkisian was a member of the personnel department that contributed to two AFC Championship appearances. He was responsible for college and pro scouting, evaluating prospects, managing pre-NFL Draft visits and contributing to roster and salary cap management.
"Christian has been an invaluable member of the Bengals organization since he joined the team seven years ago," said Bengals President Mike Brown. "He is bright and hard-working but most importantly, he is a good person. He deserves this opportunity. Northwestern made a smart move in hiring him."
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