The University of Texas System board of regents is poised to greenlight a substantial contract extension for Longhorns football coach Steve Sarkisian, nearly doubling his annual compensation to a staggering $10 million-plus per season until 2030.
Scheduled for deliberation at the board’s upcoming meeting on Feb. 21-22, the proposed extension aims to reward Sarkisian for his contributions and aligns with the university’s commitment to long-term success on the football field.
Included in Steve Sarkisian's new contract at Texas:
• Two cars
• Private jet
• Game tickets
• Country club membership
• 2024: $10.3 million
• 2025: $10.4 million
• 2026: $10.5 million
• 2027: $10.6 million
• 2028: $10.7 million
• 2029: $10.8 million
• 2030: $10.9… pic.twitter.com/SPAGTL8k3i— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 17, 2024
“I said it when I came here three years ago, this is a dream job for me,” Sarkisian recently said. “It’s a destination job, and I’m fired up every day to be the head coach at The University of Texas.”
“We’re thrilled with what we’ve been able to accomplish and proud of the culture we’ve built and the way our players have grown – on and off the field. But we’re just getting started. I’ve said it all along, we’ve been building this program for long term success.”
UT's drops its new "Texas Lives Here" video voiced by Steve Sarkisian.
"Texas lives deep in the hearts of anyone who's ever worn the burnt orange and white. It lives in the souls of Longhorn nation everywhere … and definitely rent free in the heads of our opponents." #HookEm pic.twitter.com/t6k2wrPWuK
— Bob Ballou (@BobBallouSports) February 14, 2024
Under the terms of the proposed agreement, Sarkisian stands to earn $10.3 million in 2024, with incremental increases of $100,000 annually, eventually reaching $10.9 million in 2030.
This lucrative deal positions Sarkisian among the top 10 highest-paid coaches in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
This substantial extension comes on the heels of Sarkisian’s impressive track record at the helm of the Longhorns. Last season, he led Texas to the Big 12 championship and a spot in the CFB Playoff.
Wow. No wonder US tuition fees are through the roof! Need to pay football coaches and private jet charter fees!!
— JohnFM (@JohnA_F_M) February 18, 2024
Despite a disappointing loss to Washington in the CFP semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl, the Longhorns concluded the season with a commendable 12-2 record, securing the No. 3 spot in the final AP poll, their highest finish in 15 years.
Recognizing Sarkisian’s leadership, Texas officials had previously announced a four-year extension on Jan. 13, withholding financial specifics until now.
Reflecting on his accomplishments, Sarkisian expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue shaping the Longhorns football program.
His tenure in Austin boasts a 25-14 record over three seasons, but it’s clear the arrow is pointing up.
The contract extension also includes provisions for performance bonuses, allowing Sarkisian to earn up to an additional $1.85 million annually. Bonuses range from achievements like winning the SEC championship game to clinching the national championship title.
I knew he was a good OC, but I didn't know the dude had a well rounded CEO side to him. He is always positive like his mentor, Pete Carroll, disciplined and detailed like Saban, and strategic and smart like LaVell Edwards. One more thing I like about he is he is never satisfied…
— Marty Murray ✝️🙏🇺🇸🇮🇱🧡🤘 (@tmmdaytontexas) February 18, 2024
There was a feeling that had Sark been virtually anywhere except Texas, he most likely would have landed the Alabama job following Nick Saban’s surprising decision to retire.
Luckily for the Longhorns, he’s more than happy to stay put – and he’ll be even happier with this lucrative contract extension.
What are your thoughts on Sarkisian as a head coach?
With quarterback Quinn Ewers coming back, do you think the Longhorns will win the national title next season?
Or will the deal blow up in Texas’ face???
All this just for Texas to get tossed out in the first round of the CFP next year? And the year after that? And the year after that? pic.twitter.com/kTga24Xgds
— vinito mimito (@waterenjoyer216) February 18, 2024