Texas Longhorns Football Coach Steve Sarkisian Agrees to $135.4 Million Contract Extension

In a move that has sent waves through college football, Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Texas Longhorns, has agreed to a historic $135.4 million contract extension, securing his position at the helm of one of the most storied football programs in the country. The deal, which runs through 2031, is one of the largest in college football coaching history, and reflects the Longhorns’ commitment to Sarkisian and their belief in his vision for the future of the program.

Sarkisian, who took over as Texas head coach in 2021, has experienced a roller-coaster ride during his early years with the program. Despite some early setbacks, including a disappointing 5-7 record in his first season, Sarkisian’s leadership has helped the Longhorns make significant strides in the highly competitive world of college football. The $135.4 million contract extension is not only a reflection of the trust that Texas administrators have in Sarkisian but also a signal of the program’s ambitious goals for the future, especially with the Longhorns set to enter the SEC in 2024.

The extension has garnered attention across the college football landscape, with many experts and fans eager to see how Sarkisian will capitalize on the stability that comes with such a lucrative deal. With Texas moving to the SEC and the increased competition, the pressure will be on to deliver results. However, many believe that Sarkisian’s recruiting prowess, offensive-minded approach, and experience at top programs make him the right leader for Texas as they transition into a new era.

A Historic Extension for a New Era

The Texas Longhorns are one of the most powerful and storied programs in college football history. With a rich tradition of success, the expectations surrounding the program are always high. The decision to extend Sarkisian’s contract for another seven years comes at a time when the program is poised to make a significant jump to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most dominant conferences in the sport.

Sarkisian’s $135.4 million deal is not just the largest in Texas history but also places him among the highest-paid coaches in the country. The contract includes substantial base salary increases, performance incentives, and a series of bonuses tied to milestones such as conference championships, playoff appearances, and bowl victories. According to reports, the deal will pay Sarkisian approximately $19.4 million per year, with the potential to earn even more based on team success.

“We are thrilled to extend Steve’s contract and make a long-term commitment to the future of Texas Longhorns football,” said Chris Del Conte, Texas’ Athletic Director. “Steve has done a tremendous job in leading this program and developing young talent, and we believe he is the right person to guide the Longhorns into the next chapter of our legacy. This extension reflects the confidence we have in him and the direction he’s taking this program.”

The timing of the extension also speaks volumes. Sarkisian’s ability to keep the Longhorns competitive in a difficult Big 12 Conference, along with the looming shift to the SEC, signals a turning point for the program. By locking him into a long-term deal, Texas is sending a message that they are serious about winning championships and competing at the highest levels in college football.

Sarkisian’s Impact on the Texas Program

When Steve Sarkisian was hired in January 2021, he inherited a program that was coming off a disappointing period. The Longhorns had failed to win a Big 12 championship since 2009, and the program’s fortunes had declined after the retirement of legendary coach Mack Brown. Despite being a well-respected offensive mind with experience at top programs such as USC, Washington, and Alabama, Sarkisian’s first two seasons in Austin have been a mixed bag.

In 2021, Texas began the season with high expectations but suffered a series of heartbreaking losses that left the program at a 5-7 record. Many questioned whether Sarkisian was the right man for the job. However, Sarkisian responded with resilience and a renewed focus on building the program from the ground up. His ability to recruit high-level talent, specifically at the quarterback and skill positions, has been a key factor in the team’s improvement.

By the end of the 2022 season, it was clear that Sarkisian’s approach was beginning to pay off. The Longhorns finished with an 8-4 record, and more importantly, they demonstrated an ability to compete with some of the top teams in the country. Sarkisian’s offense, which is centered around a dynamic passing game and a strong running attack, began to show signs of brilliance, and the Longhorns were back in contention for major bowl games.

In 2023, Texas made further strides, finishing with an 11-2 record, including a victory in the Big 12 Championship Game. The Longhorns’ strong performance in the regular season and in bowl games has not only boosted morale within the program but has also put Texas back on the map as a true national contender. The team’s success under Sarkisian, particularly with standout players like Quinn Ewers and Bijan Robinson, has shown that the Longhorns are capable of competing at the highest level.

“We’ve come a long way since my first season here,” Sarkisian said in a statement after the extension was announced. “We’ve made great progress, but I know we’re not there yet. My goal is to continue building this program into a championship contender, and I’m grateful for the confidence the administration has shown in me with this contract extension. I’m excited about the future of Texas football, and I can’t wait to get started on this next chapter.”

Sarkisian’s Offensive Philosophy and Recruiting Prowess

Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy is one of the key reasons Texas hired him in the first place. His success at Alabama, where he was offensive coordinator for several seasons under Nick Saban, helped Sarkisian earn a reputation as one of the brightest offensive minds in college football. His approach is focused on the passing game but is complemented by a strong running game that wears down opponents and creates balanced offensive attacks.

During his time at Texas, Sarkisian has introduced an innovative offensive system that emphasizes quick, explosive plays while also developing a strong offensive line. Quarterback play has been a central focus of his strategy, and it was no surprise when Sarkisian quickly brought in talented quarterbacks such as Quinn Ewers and Hudson Card to run his system. Ewers, a former five-star recruit, has shown flashes of greatness in his first two seasons under Sarkisian, and many believe he is poised for a breakout year in 2024.

Sarkisian’s ability to recruit high-caliber talent has also been a critical factor in his success at Texas. The Longhorns’ 2024 recruiting class is one of the best in the country, and Sarkisian’s efforts on the recruiting trail have helped Texas land some of the top players in the nation. With a blend of elite recruits, experienced players, and a solid coaching staff, Texas is in a prime position to continue competing for championships in the years to come.

“The recruiting efforts that Steve and his staff have put together have been remarkable,” Del Conte said. “We’ve seen a significant increase in the talent level across the board, and it’s evident that Steve is not only focused on developing players but also bringing in the best players in the country.”

The SEC Move and Sarkisian’s Role in Texas’ Future

Perhaps the most significant factor influencing the contract extension is the Texas Longhorns’ upcoming move to the SEC in 2024. The SEC is home to some of the most dominant programs in college football, including Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. The move to the SEC presents a tremendous challenge for Texas, but also an opportunity to compete at the highest level year after year. For Sarkisian, this move will be a critical test of his coaching acumen.

“I’ve been fortunate to coach in some of the best conferences in the country, but the SEC is different,” Sarkisian said. “We know the level of competition we’re going to face, but we’re excited for the challenge. We’re going to continue building this program to compete at the highest level, and I know that with the talent we’re bringing in and the culture we’re developing, Texas will be a force in the SEC.”

As the Longhorns enter their new conference, the pressure on Sarkisian will intensify. The SEC is known for its physical style of play, and teams like Alabama and Georgia are perennial powerhouses. However, Sarkisian’s offensive style, along with his ability to recruit top-tier talent, gives Texas a unique opportunity to succeed in this new environment.

A Commitment to Championships

With his contract extension in place, Steve Sarkisian is firmly entrenched as the leader of Texas Longhorns football. The next several years will be critical for both him and the program, as expectations will only rise as the team transitions into the SEC and aims for championships on the national stage. Sarkisian’s focus will remain on developing talent, winning Big 12 and SEC championships, and eventually competing for a College Football Playoff appearance.

For Texas, this extension represents a long-term vision for success, one that is rooted in Sarkisian’s leadership and strategic mindset. As the Longhorns continue their pursuit of national championships, all eyes will be on Sarkisian to see how he leads the program through its toughest test yet—the SEC.