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Additional Details on Texas Longhorns’ Coaching Staff Contracts and Strategic Changes
Following a series of key coaching contract updates, the University of Texas has made clear its long-term commitment to maintaining a competitive football program under head coach Steve Sarkisian. These recent contract extensions not only reflect the growing success of the Longhorns but also indicate their intent to remain a powerhouse in college football.
As Texas heads into the 2025 season, the details surrounding the coaching staff contracts highlight the importance of retaining top-tier coaching talent. With big names like Sarkisian himself, along with his coordinators and position coaches, Texas aims to build a dynasty that will carry them into national championship contention.
Expanded Contract Details: Assistant Coaches
While head coach Steve Sarkisian has rightfully garnered attention for his hefty contract extension, the contracts for his assistant coaches also represent significant investments by the university in the future of Texas football. These contract renewals and new hires aim to solidify the coaching staff, ensuring stability and continuity in the program.
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Jeff Banks (Special Teams Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach): Banks has been instrumental in orchestrating Texas’ special teams success. His contract was extended for another year, keeping him at Texas through 2024, and offers a salary of $1 million per year. Banks’ coaching experience has had an immediate impact, and his importance is clear, particularly given his reputation as a key recruiter and integral coach. (Outkick)
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Pete Kwiatkowski (Defensive Coordinator): Kwiatkowski, who has helped revamp Texas’ defense, is expected to earn a competitive salary. While exact numbers for his updated contract aren’t fully disclosed, the decision to extend him indicates the university’s belief in his ability to lead the defense to new heights. Kwiatkowski’s innovative defensive schemes and ability to develop players have made him one of the most respected coordinators in the country. (AP News)
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Kyle Flood (Offensive Line Coach and Offensive Coordinator): Flood has been one of the most vital members of the Texas coaching staff, particularly given the importance of establishing a dominant offensive line. His contract extension runs through 2024, with a salary of $1.1 million, and Flood’s ability to develop elite offensive linemen continues to be a cornerstone of the Longhorns’ offensive success. (Outkick)
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Chad Scott (Running Backs Coach): Scott, an integral figure in developing Texas’ running back group, will see his contract begin at $700,000 for the first year, and drop to $600,000 in subsequent years. The decision to keep Scott on board reflects his critical role in creating a strong ground game, which has been essential to Texas’ offensive identity. (SI.com)
New Coaching Hires: Position Coaches
While the Longhorns have maintained a solid core of experienced coaches, the program has also brought in fresh talent to ensure future success. Texas has added several new position coaches with experience in both developing players and recruiting top-tier talent.
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Mark Orphrey (Cornerbacks Coach): One of the most exciting hires for Texas is Mark Orphrey, who will join the team as the cornerbacks coach. Orphrey’s contract has him earning $600,000 in his first year, with an increase to $650,000 in 2026. Orphrey’s ability to coach up defensive backs and his recruitment prowess are key reasons for his hiring. (SI.com)
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Duane Akina (Defensive Passing Game Coordinator and Safeties Coach): Akina brings a wealth of experience to the defensive side of the ball, specifically focusing on the passing game and safeties. His contract stipulates a salary of $825,000 for 2025, increasing to $850,000 in 2026. Akina’s vast experience coaching defensive backs and his ability to develop top-tier talent will be critical in shaping the Longhorns’ secondary. (SI.com)
Contract Bonuses and Performance Metrics
A major part of these contracts also revolves around performance bonuses, which incentivize coaches to achieve specific milestones and ensure Texas remains at the forefront of college football.
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Steve Sarkisian’s Performance Bonuses: As part of his contract, Sarkisian is eligible for a range of bonuses that can reach up to $1.5 million for winning a national championship. This makes the Longhorns’ pursuit of a national title a central focus for the program’s leadership. (Reuters)
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Assistant Coaches’ Bonuses: Various assistant coaches also have performance-based incentives written into their contracts. For instance, both Kwiatkowski and Flood’s contracts include substantial bonuses tied to the team’s success in the College Football Playoff and Big 12 championships. These bonuses serve as a reflection of the university’s commitment to sustaining a competitive edge within the Big 12 conference and on the national stage. (Outkick)
The Longhorns’ Recruitment and Player Development Philosophy
The strategic focus on retaining and hiring top-tier coaches extends beyond just salary figures. Texas’ investment in its coaching staff signals the university’s commitment to an advanced player development model. Head coach Steve Sarkisian’s approach to developing players emphasizes a holistic growth plan. This includes building well-rounded individuals who excel both on the field and academically.
With the team’s coaching philosophy centered on player development, Texas has increased its focus on retaining the best coaching talent to guide athletes from the recruiting process to their eventual professional careers. With the talent on the field now complemented by the extensive coaching expertise in place, Texas aims to return to national prominence, and the coaching staff’s longevity and cohesion will play a major role in achieving this.
The Impact on Recruiting
These contract updates also send a powerful message to potential recruits: Texas is a program on the rise. With a robust coaching staff in place, recruits will feel confident in their development prospects under such experienced leadership. Whether it’s a top quarterback, offensive lineman, or defensive back, the Longhorns are positioning themselves to attract and retain the nation’s top talent.
In particular, recruiting has already seen a boost, with the Longhorns securing several top prospects for their 2025 class, including Dia Bell, a five-star quarterback who committed to Texas earlier this year. The stability and reputation of the Texas coaching staff, coupled with the university’s investment in building a championship-caliber team, make the Longhorns an attractive destination for young athletes seeking to play at the highest level.
Final Thoughts: Looking Toward the Future
As Texas enters the 2025 season, the stability and growth of its coaching staff will undoubtedly play a key role in its pursuit of a national championship. With Sarkisian at the helm, and a team of talented coaches surrounding him, the Longhorns are poised for sustained success in the coming years.