In February 2025, Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Texas Longhorns football team, solidified his place among the highest-paid leaders in college football after signing a new deal with the University of Texas. This contract extension not only underscores Sarkisian’s success but also reflects the school’s commitment to building a powerhouse program under his leadership.
Sarkisian’s New Deal and Salary Structure
Sarkisian’s contract extension is reported to be worth an eye-popping amount, making him one of the top earners in the college football coaching ranks. While specific figures are often not disclosed in full, sources have confirmed that Sarkisian’s deal includes substantial base salary, performance-based incentives, and bonuses, with the potential for even further growth over the course of the contract.
This deal ensures that Sarkisian will remain the leader of the Longhorns for several more years and emphasizes the program’s desire to stay competitive at the highest level. As the college football landscape continues to evolve, especially with the upcoming expansion of the College Football Playoff and Texas’ move to the SEC, keeping a head coach of Sarkisian’s caliber in place is seen as crucial for long-term success.
Sarkisian’s Impact on the Texas Program
Since taking over as head coach in 2021, Sarkisian has had a notable impact on the Texas program. Despite facing early challenges in his first few seasons, including a rocky start in 2021, he has steadily built a foundation for sustained success. Under his guidance, the Longhorns have made significant strides in recruiting, team development, and overall competitiveness.
Perhaps most importantly, Sarkisian has successfully brought in high-level talent to Texas. His ability to secure blue-chip recruits, especially on the offensive side of the ball, has been a key factor in the team’s progress. Quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has shown promise as one of the top young talents in college football, is a prime example of the type of player Sarkisian has been able to attract to the program.
Additionally, Sarkisian’s offensive schemes have started to take shape, with the Longhorns’ offense becoming more dynamic and explosive. With his background as an offensive coordinator at Alabama and Washington, Sarkisian has infused Texas with a high-powered attack capable of competing with some of the best teams in the country.
Texas’ Ambitions for the Future
This new contract extension is not just about the present—it’s a clear message about Texas’ long-term ambitions. With the university set to join the Southeastern Conference (SEC), a conference known for its dominant football programs, the stakes are higher than ever. Texas’ move to the SEC is a game-changer, and having Sarkisian locked in for the foreseeable future will help ensure the program is ready to compete at the highest level.
The Longhorns are expected to face tough competition in the SEC from powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and others. Having a coach like Sarkisian, who has experience coaching in such a high-stakes environment, is seen as an advantage. The university clearly believes in his ability to navigate these challenges and lead the team to success in the nation’s toughest conference.
Sarkisian’s Leadership and Recruiting Success
One of Sarkisian’s strengths has been his ability to recruit at an elite level. Texas is a recruiting hotbed, and under Sarkisian, the Longhorns have capitalized on this by landing some of the best talent in the country. His ability to connect with recruits and their families has helped Texas compete for some of the top high school prospects in the nation.
This has been evident in the talent Texas has secured on both sides of the ball. While the offensive line and quarterback positions have garnered most of the attention, Sarkisian has also done an excellent job bolstering Texas’ defense and special teams units. Building a well-rounded team that can compete with the best in the SEC will be critical, and Sarkisian has shown that he has the vision and resources to recruit the players needed to do so.
The High Expectations Moving Forward
With a new contract in place, the expectations for Sarkisian and the Longhorns are only going to rise. Texas football fans have long been hungry for a return to national prominence, and the university’s decision to extend Sarkisian’s contract signals a clear desire to make that happen.
Sarkisian’s deal places him among the elite coaching ranks, but with that status comes the pressure to perform. Texas has not won a Big 12 Championship since 2009, and the Longhorns have not made a major playoff push since 2014. Sarkisian’s goal will be to end this drought and bring Texas back to the upper echelon of college football.
Moreover, with the increased expectations, Sarkisian’s ability to continue developing his players, adjusting his strategies, and improving the overall program will be under the microscope. The pressure to succeed in the SEC will be immense, and the Longhorns will need to be ready to handle it.