Steve Sarkisian has secured a contract extension with Texas after opting to decline NFL interview opportunities, solidifying his commitment to the Longhorns.

In the world of college football, coaching stability is often a key factor in a program’s success. The University of Texas, a program rich in history and tradition, has been searching for a consistent, long-term leader to take the Longhorns back to prominence. That search may have finally found its answer in Steve Sarkisian.

After declining NFL interview opportunities and focusing on his work with Texas, Sarkisian has been rewarded with a contract extension that solidifies his future in Austin. This move signals the confidence that both the Texas athletic department and Sarkisian himself have in the direction of the program. As the Longhorns look to return to national title contention, this contract extension comes at a pivotal time, following a season of significant progress for the team.

Let’s take a deeper look at Steve Sarkisian’s journey to Texas, his impact on the Longhorns, and what this contract extension means for the future of the program.

Sarkisian’s Journey to Texas

Steve Sarkisian’s path to becoming the head coach at the University of Texas has been anything but linear. Born in Southern California, Sarkisian was a highly regarded quarterback during his playing days at the University of Washington, where he was a standout. After a brief professional career, Sarkisian entered coaching, and his trajectory as a rising star in the college football coaching ranks began.

Sarkisian’s first head coaching job came at the University of Washington in 2009, where he quickly began to build a competitive program. He led the Huskies to multiple bowl appearances and began establishing a reputation as a creative and innovative offensive mind. After his tenure at Washington, Sarkisian went on to coach at USC, where he faced some personal and professional challenges but also had moments of success.

However, it was his time as offensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban that truly propelled him to national prominence. Sarkisian worked wonders with Alabama’s offense, helping to develop Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young and guiding the Crimson Tide to another national championship appearance. His time in Tuscaloosa reaffirmed his reputation as one of the top offensive minds in college football, and his success at Alabama undoubtedly played a key role in Texas deciding to hire him as the program’s head coach.

When Texas hired Sarkisian in 2021, it marked the beginning of a new era for the Longhorns. The program had seen some ups and downs under previous head coaches, and Texas was eager to restore its national prominence. Sarkisian brought with him an offensive philosophy that would cater to the strengths of Texas’s roster, aiming to revitalize an offense that had often been inconsistent in recent years.

Sarkisian’s Impact on Texas Football

Sarkisian’s first season in Austin was a mixed bag. While there were flashes of brilliance on offense, particularly with standout quarterback Hudson Card and the emergence of a strong running game, the team struggled with consistency and depth. Texas finished the 2021 season with a 5-7 record, and Sarkisian faced criticism for failing to meet expectations in his debut campaign. However, despite the rough start, he demonstrated a willingness to adjust and learn from his mistakes.

The 2022 season saw significant improvement for the Longhorns. Texas finished the year with an 8-5 record, highlighted by several strong performances. A notable moment was the team’s upset victory over the then-No. 1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, signaling that Texas was beginning to show the potential that fans had hoped for under Sarkisian. The win was a statement to both fans and recruits that Texas was a program to watch under his leadership.

What stood out most about the 2022 season was the development of quarterback Quinn Ewers. Ewers, a highly touted recruit who transferred to Texas from Ohio State, showed significant promise under Sarkisian’s tutelage. His growth throughout the season gave Texas fans reason for optimism as the Longhorns headed into 2023. Additionally, the emergence of a physical, run-first offense combined with Sarkisian’s creative playcalling began to make Texas a more formidable team in the Big 12.

One of the most important changes Sarkisian implemented was a focus on recruiting. The 2022 and 2023 recruiting classes were filled with elite talent, many of whom were key contributors in the Longhorns’ rise. Sarkisian’s ability to recruit at a high level, coupled with his offensive expertise, positioned Texas for sustained success in the coming years. Players like Ewers, running back Bijan Robinson, and wide receiver Xavier Worthy helped elevate the program’s profile, and with the team preparing to move to the SEC, the level of competition will only intensify.

Why the Contract Extension Was Necessary

With Sarkisian’s trajectory moving in the right direction, the decision by the University of Texas to extend his contract was a critical one. The Longhorns are a program with high expectations, and they want to make sure they have the right leader in place to guide them into the future.

Sarkisian’s decision to decline NFL interview opportunities played a key role in the extension. In an era where many coaches jump ship for the professional ranks, Sarkisian’s commitment to the Texas program speaks volumes about his belief in the future of the program. By turning down NFL interviews, Sarkisian demonstrated a level of loyalty and dedication that resonates with recruits, players, and fans alike. This type of stability is exactly what Texas needs to build sustained success and attract top-tier talent.

From a financial standpoint, the contract extension sends a message to the college football world that Texas is committed to Sarkisian for the long haul. The Longhorns are entering the SEC in the near future, and there is no question that the competition will become even fiercer. Sarkisian’s leadership will be critical in navigating this new chapter in Texas football, and the extension signals that he is the man who can guide them through the tough SEC waters.

Additionally, the contract extension helps Texas retain its position as one of the most attractive job openings in college football. With a strong recruiting base, a rich history, and the resources to compete at the highest level, Texas is a program that can recruit and retain top coaches and players. Extending Sarkisian ensures that the program has continuity, and it reduces any uncertainty that might arise as the program enters a new era of competition.

The Future of Texas Football Under Sarkisian

With the extension, Sarkisian is now positioned to continue shaping the future of Texas football. The program is moving toward the SEC, where it will face some of the best teams in the country week in and week out. The stakes will be higher, but Sarkisian’s experience coaching in the SEC at Alabama gives him a unique advantage in preparing Texas for the challenges ahead.

Recruiting will remain one of the most critical aspects of Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas. The ability to consistently land top-tier talent will be vital for competing with teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. The early returns on recruiting under Sarkisian have been promising, and his ability to develop relationships with high school players, especially in Texas, will continue to be a key asset moving forward.

On the field, the offensive scheme that Sarkisian has implemented at Texas is one that has the potential to dominate in the SEC. His ability to develop quarterbacks, paired with a strong running game and a creative passing attack, makes Texas’s offense one to watch. If Sarkisian can continue to fine-tune the offense while improving the defense, Texas could soon find itself back in the College Football Playoff mix.

While there is still work to be done, Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas has already shown signs of success. The contract extension solidifies his place at the helm, and it sets the stage for what could be a return to prominence for the Longhorns. Fans, recruits, and the coaching staff will look to Sarkisian to continue the progress he has made, especially as Texas enters the SEC, where the level of competition is fierce.