According to sources, Texas and coach Steve Sarkisian have reached an agreement on a new deal.

The University of Texas Longhorns’ football program is no stranger to high expectations. The team has long been one of the most storied programs in college football, but in recent years, success has been fleeting. After a series of disappointing seasons, the Longhorns brought in Steve Sarkisian as their head coach in 2021, hoping that his offensive acumen and experience would help restore Texas to its rightful place among the elite. Fast forward to 2023, and Sarkisian’s tenure is showing promising signs of growth, making it clear that his future in Austin is now firmly secured.

According to sources, Texas and Steve Sarkisian have reached an agreement on a new deal that will keep the coach at the helm of the Longhorns’ football program for several more years. This extension comes at a critical time for the program, and it represents a significant vote of confidence in Sarkisian’s ability to turn the Longhorns into a championship contender once again. In this article, we’ll explore the details of Sarkisian’s new deal, the significance of his extended tenure at Texas, and what it means for the future of Longhorns football.

Sarkisian’s Journey to Texas

Before examining what his new deal means for the Longhorns, it’s important to understand Steve Sarkisian’s journey to Texas and how he arrived at the position of head coach. Sarkisian’s path to the Longhorns was a winding one, marked by both success and failure. After a successful stint as an offensive coordinator at Washington and USC, Sarkisian’s coaching career took a detour due to personal challenges, including a highly publicized departure from USC in 2015. Despite these setbacks, Sarkisian quickly regained his standing in the coaching community by joining Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama as an offensive coordinator.

At Alabama, Sarkisian’s work with quarterbacks like Mac Jones and Bryce Young helped solidify his reputation as one of the top offensive minds in the country. Under Sarkisian’s guidance, Alabama’s offense became more dynamic and explosive, and his ability to develop quarterbacks was particularly evident. After a successful stint in Tuscaloosa, Texas came calling in 2021, hiring Sarkisian to replace Tom Herman as the program’s head coach.

Sarkisian inherited a Texas program that had underperformed for several years. Despite having talent, the Longhorns had failed to reach the level of success expected from a program of their stature. Sarkisian was tasked with rebuilding Texas, re-establishing its identity, and returning the team to national prominence.

In his first season, Sarkisian faced challenges. Texas showed flashes of potential but was ultimately inconsistent, finishing with a 5-7 record and missing out on a bowl game. While some questioned whether Sarkisian was the right man for the job, others remained hopeful that his offensive system and leadership would eventually lead to success.

The following year, in 2022, Texas showed significant improvement, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The Longhorns finished with an 8-4 record and had several standout performances, including a huge win over Alabama at home. The offense, which Sarkisian had been working to establish since his arrival, began to take shape, and the team appeared poised to take the next step.

The New Deal: Key Details and Significance

Sources confirm that Steve Sarkisian’s new contract with Texas is a multi-year extension that reflects the university’s long-term commitment to its head coach. While the exact financial details have not been publicly disclosed, reports indicate that the deal is worth upwards of $30 million over the next several years, making Sarkisian one of the highest-paid coaches in the country.

The decision to extend Sarkisian’s contract speaks to the confidence Texas has in his ability to lead the program into the future. Despite some early struggles in his tenure, Sarkisian has shown that he has the vision and the expertise to guide Texas back to national relevance. His ability to develop offensive talent, including quarterbacks, is a key asset that the Longhorns are banking on to build a championship-caliber team.

The timing of the deal is crucial, as Texas is entering a new chapter in college football. The Longhorns are set to join the SEC in the near future, a move that will increase the competition they face on a weekly basis. With this in mind, the extension serves not only as a show of faith in Sarkisian but also as a way to ensure stability within the program as it transitions to a new conference. With the SEC’s powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, Texas will need a steady hand at the helm to navigate the challenges ahead.

In addition to Sarkisian’s work on the field, the extension is also a reflection of his ability to recruit top-tier talent. The Longhorns have been one of the best recruiting programs in recent years, and Sarkisian’s ability to bring in high-level recruits will be crucial as the team looks to build a sustainable contender in the SEC. His ability to develop talent and create an environment where players can thrive will be key to maintaining a competitive edge.

Sarkisian’s Impact on Texas Football

Sarkisian’s impact on Texas football can be measured in several ways. First and foremost, his offensive philosophy has begun to take root in Austin, and it has already led to significant improvements. The Longhorns’ offense has become more dynamic and unpredictable, with an emphasis on both the run and the pass. Sarkisian’s play-calling and offensive design have been lauded for their creativity and ability to adapt to different situations.

Quarterback development has been one of Sarkisian’s standout strengths. In 2022, Quinn Ewers, a highly touted freshman quarterback, arrived in Austin with enormous expectations. Under Sarkisian’s tutelage, Ewers showed flashes of brilliance, including his performance in the upset win over Alabama. While he still has room to grow, Sarkisian’s guidance is expected to help Ewers reach his full potential as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.

Sarkisian’s offensive system is also designed to utilize the talents of the entire team, including the running backs, wide receivers, and offensive line. In 2022, Texas saw strong contributions from its skill positions, including Bijan Robinson, one of the top running backs in the country, and wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who became one of the most electrifying playmakers in the Big 12. Sarkisian’s ability to maximize the potential of his players is one of the key reasons why the Longhorns are poised for sustained success.

On the defensive side of the ball, Texas has made strides as well, though much of the credit for that goes to Pete Kwiatkowski, the Longhorns’ defensive coordinator. While the defense has not been at the same level as the offense in terms of development, Sarkisian’s overall program-building philosophy has helped improve the team’s overall performance.

Sarkisian’s recruiting efforts have also been impressive. Texas has landed several top recruits under his watch, including 2023 standout Arch Manning, one of the most highly touted quarterback prospects in recent memory. The ability to attract such talent to Texas shows that Sarkisian has the program on the right track, and his new deal signals that the university believes he is the man to continue bringing in top-tier recruits while developing them into stars.

The SEC Transition and What Lies Ahead

One of the biggest challenges that Sarkisian will face in the coming years is Texas’ transition to the SEC. This move, expected to take place in 2024, will put the Longhorns in direct competition with some of the best programs in the country on a weekly basis. Schools like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU will provide formidable competition, and Texas will need to elevate its play in order to compete for SEC championships and, eventually, a national title.

Sarkisian’s ability to adapt his offensive system to the increased level of competition in the SEC will be key. The SEC is known for its dominant defenses, and the Longhorns will need to be prepared for the physicality and speed of the league. Sarkisian’s experience working in top-tier programs, including Alabama, should provide him with valuable insight into how to handle the challenges that come with competing in the SEC.

In addition to the SEC transition, Sarkisian will also need to manage the expectations that come with his new deal. Texas fans have been waiting for the program to return to national prominence for years, and Sarkisian’s contract extension has only raised those expectations. While the Longhorns have shown progress under his leadership, the pressure to win conference championships and ultimately compete for national titles will continue to grow.