The Texas Longhorns Sign Steve Sarkisian to a Seven-Year Contract Extension
In a bold move aimed at securing long-term stability and continued success for the Texas Longhorns football program, the university announced a seven-year contract extension for head coach Steve Sarkisian. This decision comes after a tumultuous but promising start to Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas, with the Longhorns demonstrating flashes of potential under his leadership. The extension underscores the program’s commitment to Sarkisian, who has shown the ability to recruit top-tier talent, implement a progressive offensive strategy, and revitalize a program that has faced challenges in recent years.
The Journey to Sarkisian’s Extension
Sarkisian was hired as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns in January 2021, following the firing of Tom Herman, who had led the team for four seasons but failed to meet the expectations set by a program with a storied history. Sarkisian, who had previously served as the head coach at the University of Washington and the University of Southern California, was seen as a dynamic and innovative leader capable of restoring the Longhorns to national prominence.
However, his first season at Texas in 2021 was a mix of highs and lows. While there were notable victories, such as a dominant win over LSU in the season opener, the team faltered during key moments, losing several close games and ultimately finishing with a disappointing 5-7 record. The loss to Kansas, which was considered a massive upset, was one of the most significant low points of the season and put considerable pressure on Sarkisian and his coaching staff.
Despite the disappointing record, there were positive signs throughout the season. Sarkisian implemented a high-paced, pass-heavy offense that showcased the potential of Texas’ talented roster. The emergence of young players, including running back Bijan Robinson and quarterback Hudson Card, provided optimism for the future. Additionally, Sarkisian’s ability to recruit top-tier talent, including a highly regarded 2022 recruiting class, demonstrated that the Longhorns were beginning to return to their recruiting roots.
As the 2022 season approached, Texas football was once again at a crossroads. Could Sarkisian turn the program around and bring Texas back to national championship contention? Or would the pressure mount too much and force another coaching change? The Longhorns’ management and athletic department chose to bet on Sarkisian’s ability to develop a championship-level program, and the decision to extend his contract for an additional seven years reflects their confidence in his vision.
Sarkisian’s Impact on the Program
Steve Sarkisian’s impact on the Texas Longhorns football program cannot be overstated. From the moment he arrived in Austin, he began laying the foundation for the future with a clear emphasis on offensive innovation and recruiting. While the on-field results in his first two seasons were somewhat inconsistent, the underlying changes he brought to the program have set the stage for future success.
One of Sarkisian’s most significant contributions has been his ability to modernize the offense. His background as an offensive coordinator at Alabama, where he helped guide the Crimson Tide to a national title in 2020, has proven invaluable. Sarkisian has implemented a sophisticated offensive scheme that blends elements of the spread offense with pro-style principles. This system allows for flexibility and takes advantage of the strengths of his players, particularly in the passing game.
Quarterback development has been a key area of focus for Sarkisian. Under his tutelage, former five-star recruit Hudson Card showed flashes of promise in his first season as the starting quarterback. Card’s ability to make all the throws, combined with his mobility, made him a perfect fit for Sarkisian’s system. However, it was the arrival of Quinn Ewers, another five-star quarterback prospect, that has the potential to elevate the program to new heights.
Ewers, who transferred from Ohio State after just one season, has the raw talent to become one of the top quarterbacks in college football. Sarkisian’s track record with quarterbacks, including his success with Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama, made Texas an appealing destination for Ewers. If Sarkisian can develop Ewers into a star, the Longhorns’ offense could become one of the most potent in the nation.
Beyond the quarterback position, Sarkisian has also made significant strides in recruiting. The 2022 class, which ranked among the top five nationally, included multiple high-profile recruits, including wide receiver Evan Stewart, cornerback Malik Muhammad, and linebacker Anthony Hill. Sarkisian’s ability to recruit in-state talent has been particularly impressive, as he has attracted top players from Texas, a state that produces some of the best high school football talent in the country.
While the Longhorns’ recruiting efforts have been impressive, the true test will be whether Sarkisian can develop these recruits into NFL-caliber players. This is an area where Texas has historically struggled in recent years, as several highly-ranked recruiting classes failed to deliver sustained success on the field. However, with Sarkisian at the helm, there is optimism that the Longhorns will begin to maximize their potential and develop the next generation of NFL talent.
Another important aspect of Sarkisian’s impact on the program has been his ability to build a strong coaching staff. Sarkisian has surrounded himself with experienced coaches who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to various aspects of the game. From offensive coordinator to defensive line coach, each member of Sarkisian’s staff brings a unique skill set that complements the team’s overall philosophy. This collaborative approach has been crucial in creating a cohesive and efficient program.
The Financial Implications of the Extension
The seven-year contract extension for Sarkisian is a significant financial commitment by the University of Texas. Although the exact terms of the deal have not been disclosed, it is expected that Sarkisian will be one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. This is a reflection of the university’s desire to not only retain Sarkisian but also send a message to the college football world that Texas is willing to invest in its football program in order to compete at the highest level.
The financial commitment also signals a broader trend in college football, where universities are increasingly willing to pay top dollar for elite coaches. With the growing revenue generated by television contracts, sponsorship deals, and merchandise sales, schools like Texas can afford to make substantial investments in their football programs. By extending Sarkisian’s contract, the Longhorns are signaling their intent to remain competitive in an era of rising coaching salaries and an ever-expanding college football landscape.
The extension also provides Sarkisian with job security, allowing him to focus on building a long-term program without the pressure of looming contract uncertainty. In a sport where coaching changes are frequent, and success can be measured in terms of national championships, the ability to have a clear vision for the future can be invaluable. Sarkisian can now focus on what he does best: developing talent, implementing his system, and ultimately winning football games.
What’s Next for Texas Football?
With Sarkisian now locked into a long-term deal, the focus shifts to what the future holds for the Texas Longhorns. While the program has undoubtedly made progress under Sarkisian’s leadership, there are still several hurdles to overcome before the Longhorns can truly compete for a national championship.
The biggest challenge for Sarkisian will be turning potential into consistent success. Texas has consistently recruited well and has the talent to compete with the best teams in the country, but the program has struggled to put it all together on the field. The Longhorns have not won a Big 12 championship since 2009, and their last appearance in the College Football Playoff came in 2014. In order to fulfill the promises made by his contract extension, Sarkisian will need to guide Texas to conference championships, playoff berths, and, eventually, a national title.
Another important factor in the Longhorns’ future success is their impending move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Texas’ decision to join the SEC, along with Oklahoma, will change the landscape of college football in the coming years. The SEC is home to some of the most powerful programs in the country, including Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. Sarkisian will need to adapt to the challenges of competing in the SEC, where the competition is fierce, and every week presents a new set of obstacles. The move to the SEC is a significant step for the Longhorns, and it will test the program’s ability to compete on the national stage.
Conclusion
Steve Sarkisian’s seven-year contract extension is a clear signal of the University of Texas’ commitment to its football program and its belief in Sarkisian’s vision for the future. While the first two years of his tenure have been a mix of highs and lows, the potential for success is undeniable. Sarkisian has already made significant strides in modernizing the offense, recruiting elite talent, and creating a strong coaching staff. With the financial backing of the university and the stability that comes with his new contract, Sarkisian is poised to take Texas to new heights in the coming years.
The pressure is now on Sarkisian to deliver sustained success, win conference championships, and ultimately return the Longhorns to national championship contention. While the road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, the university has placed its faith in a coach who has the experience, talent, and vision to restore Texas football to its rightful place among the elite programs in college football. With Sarkisian at the helm, the future of the Texas Longhorns looks brighter than ever.