REPORT: Texas Longhorns New Coaches’ Contract Details Revealed
The Texas Longhorns have made significant waves in the world of college athletics, particularly in football and basketball, over the past few seasons. As one of the most storied programs in NCAA history, the university has placed a strong emphasis on securing top-tier coaching talent to lead its teams to victory. Recently, major contract details for new coaches hired to lead both the Texas Longhorns Football and Basketball programs were revealed, providing insight into the investment that the university is making to ensure its place as a national powerhouse in both sports.
With the Longhorns officially joining the SEC (Southeastern Conference) for the 2024 season, expectations are higher than ever before. This shift has not only signaled an evolution in the level of competition for the school’s athletic programs but also the financial commitment Texas is willing to make to maintain a competitive edge. The new coaching hires, their contract terms, and the overall strategic direction of the teams have captured the attention of fans, media, and industry experts alike.
This report will provide a detailed breakdown of the Texas Longhorns’ new coaching hires and the specifics of their contract details, as well as the broader implications for the university’s athletic programs moving forward.
1. The Football Program: Steve Sarkisian’s Contract Extension
Steve Sarkisian, who took over as head coach of the Texas Longhorns football team in 2021, has already begun to make a significant impact on the program. Under his leadership, the Longhorns have shown promising progress, particularly on the recruiting front, with a wealth of top-tier talent choosing to commit to Texas. His offensive mind, coupled with a rejuvenated coaching staff, has energized the team, making the Longhorns football program a real contender in the Big 12 and preparing them for their upcoming transition to the SEC.
Given the direction in which the program is heading, Texas and Sarkisian agreed to a contract extension that reflects the school’s long-term commitment to his leadership. Details of the extension include:
- Contract Length: The extension will keep Sarkisian with the Longhorns for six more years (2024-2030), a clear indication that the university views him as the cornerstone of the program’s future.
- Base Salary: Sarkisian’s new base salary has been reported at $6.5 million per year, a substantial increase from his previous salary of $5.5 million. This makes him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
- Performance Bonuses: Sarkisian’s contract includes performance-based incentives for regular-season and postseason accomplishments. These bonuses include:
- A $250,000 bonus for making it to the Big 12 Championship Game.
- A $500,000 bonus for making a New Year’s Six Bowl Game.
- A $1 million bonus if the team reaches the College Football Playoff.
- A $1.5 million bonus if the Longhorns win a National Championship.
- Retention Bonus: Sarkisian will also receive a $2 million retention bonus in 2025, which is contingent on him staying with the program.
- Recruiting Clauses: With Sarkisian known for his ability to recruit elite talent, the contract includes clauses that reward him for maintaining top-tier recruiting classes. If Texas finishes in the Top 5 nationally in recruiting for three consecutive years, Sarkisian will receive a $500,000 bonus.
- Buyout Clause: If Sarkisian were to leave Texas before the contract expires, the buyout is set at $15 million, ensuring that the program is financially protected from a sudden departure.
Implications for Texas Football
Sarkisian’s extension signals a clear commitment from Texas to build a sustainable and elite football program, one that can compete at the highest levels, especially after the transition to the SEC. The contract’s performance incentives align the coach’s interests with the success of the program, creating a win-win situation for both sides. Given the stature of Texas football, the Longhorns’ brand is expected to continue growing in both on-field performance and financial revenue under Sarkisian’s leadership.
The recruiting bonuses and strong financial incentives also reflect the importance of attracting top-tier talent to Austin, a necessary step for competing in the SEC, where the competition is even more intense than in the Big 12. Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy, known for its innovative and explosive attack, will be tested against the top defenses in the country, but with his recent recruiting classes, the future looks bright for the Longhorns.
2. The Basketball Program: Chris Beard’s Hiring and Contract Details
While the Texas football program is receiving a lot of attention, the Longhorns basketball program has also undergone a major transformation. After parting ways with former head coach Shaka Smart following several underwhelming seasons, Texas hired Chris Beard, formerly the head coach at Texas Tech, to reinvigorate their basketball program.
Beard’s success at Texas Tech, culminating in a National Championship appearance in 2019, earned him a reputation as one of the top coaches in college basketball. Texas recognized his ability to build competitive teams and signed him to a lucrative deal to bring that success to Austin.
The terms of Chris Beard’s contract include:
- Contract Length: Beard’s deal is a seven-year contract (2024-2031), underscoring the university’s long-term investment in him.
- Base Salary: Beard’s base salary is reported to be $5 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college basketball. This represents a substantial commitment from Texas, reflecting the competitive nature of the sport and the school’s ambitions to become a national title contender.
- Performance Bonuses: Like Sarkisian, Beard’s contract contains significant performance-based incentives, including:
- $250,000 for reaching the NCAA Tournament.
- $500,000 for reaching the Sweet 16.
- $1 million for advancing to the Final Four.
- A $2 million bonus if the team wins the National Championship.
- Recruiting Clauses: Beard has earned a reputation as a strong recruiter, and the contract includes clauses designed to keep his recruiting efforts strong. If Beard brings in a Top 5 national recruiting class, he will receive a $500,000 bonus.
- Retention Bonus: Beard will receive a $1.5 million retention bonus in 2026, contingent on him remaining with the program through that year.
- Buyout Clause: The buyout for Beard if he were to leave Texas early is $12 million, ensuring that Texas has financial protection in case of a sudden departure.
Implications for Texas Basketball
The hiring of Chris Beard represents a clear shift in strategy for the Texas basketball program. Texas has long been one of the most successful and storied programs in college basketball, but in recent years, they have struggled to achieve consistent success on the national stage. Beard’s hiring brings a sense of urgency to the program as he is expected to take the Longhorns to the next level — consistently competing for Final Fours and national championships.
Beard’s emphasis on tough, defensive-minded basketball fits the culture of Texas, and the university’s commitment to him is evident in the financial terms of the contract. The performance bonuses ensure that the focus remains on achieving success, both in the regular season and in the NCAA Tournament, while the recruiting bonuses incentivize Beard to continue building a program that can compete with the best in the nation.
The buyout clause is also significant, reflecting the university’s desire to protect their investment in Beard and his future at Texas. The retention bonuses and long-term nature of the contract show that Texas sees Beard as the coach who can take the Longhorns back to the top of college basketball.
3. A Broader Strategic Commitment to Athletics
The new contracts for Steve Sarkisian and Chris Beard are part of a broader strategic effort by the University of Texas to maintain its status as a premier athletic program. As the Longhorns prepare for their entry into the SEC, the financial investment in their football and basketball programs underscores the university’s commitment to excellence across all sports.
With both programs now being led by top-tier coaches who have proven track records of success, the Texas Longhorns are well-positioned to compete not only in the SEC but also on the national stage. Whether it’s football or basketball, the Longhorns’ athletic programs are expected to remain in the national conversation for years to come, and the contracts of Sarkisian and Beard reflect the long-term vision of the university’s leadership.