Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns football team, has agreed to a new contract extension that will keep him at the helm of the Longhorns through the 2031 season. This seven-year deal includes a significant raise, reflecting both the success Sarkisian has brought to the team and the university’s commitment to long-term stability under his leadership. The move also ensures that Sarkisian will remain one of the highest-paid coaches in college football, further cementing his status as a top-tier coach in the nation.
The Texas Longhorns have been through their share of ups and downs over the past decade. After the retirement of legendary coach Mack Brown in 2013, the program went through a series of coaching changes and struggles. The team saw only sporadic success under Charlie Strong and Tom Herman, who couldn’t fully restore the program to the elite level Longhorn fans expect. But since Sarkisian took over in 2021, things have started to turn around.
The Path to Success
When Sarkisian was hired in 2021, many saw him as the coach who could finally bring Texas back to national prominence. Sarkisian had a proven track record, especially as the offensive coordinator for Alabama, where he helped develop one of the most potent offenses in college football. Sarkisian had also been a head coach at Washington and USC, gaining valuable experience at the highest levels of the sport. His pedigree made him an ideal choice for a program looking to reassert itself among the elite.
Sarkisian’s first two seasons at Texas were marked by some growing pains, as he inherited a roster that needed rebuilding. The team showed flashes of potential but also faced challenges with consistency. Still, Sarkisian’s offense began to take shape, and the culture of the team began to change.
However, it was the 2023 season that truly marked a turning point for Texas. The Longhorns finished the season with a Big 12 Championship, a major accomplishment for the program and a clear sign of Sarkisian’s progress. The team displayed resilience, talent, and, most importantly, an identity under Sarkisian’s leadership. The Longhorns’ offense was dynamic, and the defense showed significant improvement.
The success in 2023 wasn’t just about winning the Big 12 Championship—it was about proving that Sarkisian could take Texas to the next level. His offense was efficient, explosive, and difficult to stop, with quarterback Quinn Ewers leading the way. The Longhorns’ offensive line showed significant improvement, and the running game was more potent than it had been in years. Sarkisian’s ability to develop talent, make in-game adjustments, and get the most out of his players became evident as the season progressed.
But it wasn’t just the offense that impressed. Texas’ defense, led by coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, stepped up in a major way in 2023. The Longhorns’ defensive line, linebacker corps, and secondary played with intensity, and the team as a whole became a well-rounded force. The defense’s growth was a testament to Sarkisian’s ability to build a complete program, one that could compete at the highest level of college football.
In 2024, Texas followed up their Big 12 Championship by making a deep run in the College Football Playoff. The Longhorns’ appearance in the semifinals showed the program’s growing national stature. While they didn’t win the national title, their success in reaching the playoff further solidified Sarkisian’s status as a coach who could bring Texas back to the top.
The Decision to Extend Sarkisian
Given the trajectory of the program under Sarkisian’s leadership, it was only a matter of time before Texas committed to securing his future. The decision to extend Sarkisian’s contract was influenced by a combination of factors: his success in rebuilding the team, his ability to develop players, and the culture of success he’s instilled in the program.
One of the key reasons Texas moved quickly to extend Sarkisian’s contract was the interest he garnered from the NFL. With the NFL season winding down, there were rumors that several NFL teams were interested in interviewing Sarkisian for their head coaching vacancies. These rumors were confirmed when Sarkisian reportedly declined interviews with two NFL teams, signaling that he was fully committed to his work with the Longhorns.
Sarkisian’s decision to stay at Texas despite the NFL interest was significant. It demonstrated not only his loyalty to the university and his players but also his belief in the direction of the program. By declining NFL interviews and agreeing to a long-term extension, Sarkisian showed that he was fully invested in building something special at Texas.
Additionally, Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte made it clear that Sarkisian was a priority for the university. In a statement, Del Conte praised Sarkisian’s ability to restore the Longhorns to national relevance and emphasized that Texas wanted to make a long-term commitment to its head coach. Del Conte also dismissed the NFL rumors as “stupid,” emphasizing the university’s belief in Sarkisian’s vision and his ability to take the program to new heights.
Contract Details and Financial Terms
While the full financial details of Sarkisian’s contract extension have not been made public, it is widely reported that the deal includes a substantial salary increase. This raise, combined with the seven-year length of the deal, makes Sarkisian one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. The move underscores Texas’ commitment to Sarkisian and reflects the program’s desire to retain top-tier talent as they look to compete in the highly competitive SEC.
Sarkisian’s new deal comes on the heels of other high-profile coaching contracts in college football, further illustrating the increasing financial stakes of the sport. With the growing revenue generated by college football, particularly through media rights deals, top coaches are being compensated at unprecedented levels. Sarkisian’s deal positions him among the elite in terms of pay, which is a clear message that Texas is serious about its football program and its commitment to competing at the highest level.
What’s Next for Texas?
With Sarkisian’s extension in place, Texas is now looking ahead to the future. The Longhorns are in the midst of a significant transition, as they prepare to move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2025. This move will be a massive change for the program, as the SEC is widely regarded as the toughest and most competitive conference in college football. The decision to join the SEC represents a major step for Texas as they seek to compete against the nation’s best year in and year out.
Sarkisian’s ability to recruit and develop talent will be critical in the SEC. The competition will be fierce, with teams like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and others constantly vying for top talent. Sarkisian’s recruiting prowess has already been on display, as he has brought in top-tier prospects from across the country. If Texas is to succeed in the SEC, Sarkisian will need to continue building a championship-caliber roster and ensuring that his players are ready to compete at the highest level.
In addition to recruiting, Sarkisian will need to continue refining his offensive system. While the Longhorns have made significant strides under his leadership, there is always room for improvement. Sarkisian’s ability to adapt his offense to the SEC’s unique style of play will be crucial in ensuring Texas can compete with the best teams in the country.
One of the most important aspects of Sarkisian’s tenure will be his ability to maintain continuity and stability in the program. College football is an ever-evolving landscape, with teams constantly adjusting to new trends, strategies, and recruits. Sarkisian has already shown an ability to build a strong program, but the true test will be whether he can sustain that success over the long term.
Sarkisian’s Legacy at Texas
As Sarkisian’s tenure continues, his legacy at Texas will be shaped by his ability to deliver championships and maintain the program’s competitive edge. The Longhorns have been one of the most storied programs in college football history, and Sarkisian has the opportunity to add his name to that legacy. If he can lead Texas to an SEC title and perhaps a national championship, he will be remembered as one of the most successful coaches in the program’s history.
In many ways, Sarkisian’s legacy will be defined by the success of the program in the SEC. If he can establish Texas as a perennial contender in the nation’s toughest conference, his impact will be immeasurable. A national championship or multiple SEC titles would further solidify his place in the pantheon of college football’s elite coaches.
Conclusion
Steve Sarkisian’s contract extension is a monumental step for the Texas Longhorns football program. It signals the university’s confidence in his ability to continue building a championship-caliber team and its commitment to long-term success. Sarkisian’s leadership has already brought Texas back to national relevance, and with the added stability of a long-term deal, the program is poised for continued success.
As Texas prepares for its move to the SEC and the challenges that lie ahead, Sarkisian’s expertise, vision, and recruiting prowess will be crucial to the program’s future. His ability to adapt and continue improving will determine whether Texas can ascend to the next level and compete with the best teams in the country.
In the end, the contract extension is not just about Sarkisian’s salary—it’s about ensuring that Texas remains a powerhouse in college football for years to come. The future is bright for the Longhorns, and with Sarkisian at the helm, the team is ready to take on whatever challenges come its way.
This expanded version provides a comprehensive look at the details surrounding Steve Sarkisian’s contract extension with Texas, his career trajectory, the impact of his leadership, and the future of the Longhorns.
Leave a Reply