Breaking News: Texas Football Signs New Seven-Year Deal with Head Coach Steve Sarkisian
In a major development for the University of Texas football program, head coach Steve Sarkisian has agreed to a new seven-year contract extension, a source confirmed to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. This new deal reflects the university’s continued confidence in Sarkisian’s leadership and his ability to guide the Longhorns back to prominence in the competitive world of college football.
Sarkisian, who took the reins as Texas head coach in 2021, has shown steady progress in rebuilding the program, with his leadership being credited for restoring a sense of stability and direction after a period of inconsistency. Despite facing challenges in his early seasons, Sarkisian has made significant strides, especially with recruiting and developing talent, positioning the Longhorns for future success in both the Big 12 and, eventually, the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Sarkisian’s Journey at Texas
Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas began with high expectations after he came to the program following a successful stint as the offensive coordinator at Alabama, where he helped guide the Crimson Tide’s potent offense to national championship contention. His arrival in Austin was met with excitement as Texas sought to return to its former glory after several years of underperformance since the Mack Brown era.
In his first two seasons, Sarkisian showed the potential to turn things around. The Longhorns showed promise, particularly on offense, but inconsistency in both offensive and defensive execution led to mixed results. Nonetheless, the team exhibited significant progress, especially in recruiting, where Sarkisian brought in top-tier prospects who could help shape the program for years to come.
Despite a tough start, Sarkisian demonstrated resilience, helping Texas finish with a strong recruiting class, solidifying the foundation for future success. His ability to develop quarterbacks like Hudson Card and Quinn Ewers, coupled with a solid team defense, had many believing the Longhorns were on the right track.
The Significance of the Extension
The seven-year extension for Sarkisian is a clear message from Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte and the university administration that they are fully invested in his vision for the program. The new deal provides Sarkisian with the stability and support necessary to continue building the program into a national contender.
While Texas has experienced ups and downs under Sarkisian’s leadership, the Longhorns are widely considered one of the top teams in the country in terms of raw talent and future potential. The recruitment of high-profile players like quarterback Quinn Ewers, running back Bijan Robinson, and a strong defensive unit suggests that Texas is on the verge of reclaiming its position as a powerhouse in college football.
The new contract also gives Sarkisian time to continue his work in a new era of college football, particularly with the program’s move to the SEC in 2024. As the Longhorns prepare for the jump to a more competitive conference, having a head coach with Sarkisian’s experience and leadership will be vital to their success in the SEC. The seven-year deal reflects the university’s long-term commitment to becoming a national title contender, not just in the Big 12, but in one of the toughest football conferences in the country.
What’s Next for Texas Football?
With this extension in place, the focus now shifts to Sarkisian’s ability to build on the momentum he’s established. The Longhorns’ upcoming seasons will be pivotal in determining whether they can make the leap from a competitive team to championship contenders. Texas fans and analysts alike will be looking closely at how Sarkisian’s recruiting efforts, game strategy, and player development continue to evolve.
As the SEC transition approaches, the pressure will increase, but Sarkisian’s proven ability to recruit and develop elite talent will be key. The program’s success in recruiting, particularly at quarterback and on defense, will be a major storyline as the Longhorns gear up for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in the program’s history.
For now, Sarkisian’s seven-year extension solidifies his place as the head coach of Texas for the long term, and with it, the hopes of a program seeking to return to its former glory and make a lasting impact in college football’s most prestigious conference.