Steve Sarkisian and Texas agree to a new contract extension through 2031 with a raise: The Athletic is the source.

In a move that underscores the University of Texas’ commitment to the future of its football program, the school has announced that it has reached an agreement with head coach Steve Sarkisian on a contract extension that will keep him at the helm of the Longhorns’ football program through 2031. This extension, which includes a significant raise, signals a new era of stability and optimism for a program that has long been seeking its return to national prominence. The agreement was first reported by The Athletic and represents the culmination of a successful rebuilding process that has already begun to bear fruit under Sarkisian’s leadership.

For Texas fans and analysts alike, the extension is seen as a pivotal moment in the team’s trajectory, providing a sense of continuity and direction that has been missing for years. With Sarkisian now locked in for nearly another decade, the Longhorns are poised to establish themselves as a perennial powerhouse in college football once again.

Steve Sarkisian’s Path to Texas

To fully understand the significance of Sarkisian’s contract extension, it’s important to examine how he arrived at this point in his coaching career and what he has brought to Texas.

Sarkisian’s journey to Texas has been anything but linear. After a successful stint as the offensive coordinator at Washington and USC, Sarkisian became known as one of the brightest offensive minds in college football. However, his career was briefly derailed by personal challenges, including an alcohol-related incident that led to his dismissal from USC in 2015.

Despite these setbacks, Sarkisian didn’t give up on his career. He found redemption working under Nick Saban at Alabama, where he served as the offensive coordinator for two seasons. His time at Alabama proved invaluable, as he helped refine quarterbacks like Mac Jones and Bryce Young, both of whom went on to have successful careers in the NFL. Under Sarkisian, Alabama’s offense became more dynamic, and he earned a reputation for being a skilled developer of quarterbacks and an innovative offensive mind.

In 2021, Texas hired Sarkisian as the program’s 31st head coach, bringing him in to lead a program that had experienced inconsistent results under former head coaches like Tom Herman. The Longhorns’ expectations were high, as the team had the talent necessary to compete for championships but had failed to make significant strides in recent years.

Sarkisian’s first season, in 2021, did not go as planned. Texas finished with a disappointing 5-7 record, failing to make a bowl game. However, the team showed flashes of potential, particularly on offense, where Sarkisian’s system began to take shape. The growing pains were evident, but Sarkisian remained committed to building a culture of excellence in Austin.

In 2022, Texas showed substantial improvement, finishing 8-4 with notable victories, including a win over Alabama at home. The offense, which had been Sarkisian’s primary focus, showed signs of becoming more efficient and explosive. Sarkisian’s ability to develop Quinn Ewers, a highly touted quarterback who transferred to Texas from Ohio State, was a major highlight of the season. Ewers displayed the potential to become a star under Sarkisian’s tutelage, and his development will be crucial for Texas’ future success.

The Longhorns’ progress under Sarkisian in 2022 laid the foundation for the 2023 season, in which the team was expected to challenge for a Big 12 Championship and possibly make a run at the College Football Playoff (CFP). With Sarkisian’s coaching staff continuing to recruit at a high level, including securing commitments from top recruits such as Arch Manning, the program is on the rise. This is the backdrop against which the contract extension was negotiated.

The New Contract: Key Details

As reported by The Athletic, Sarkisian’s new contract extension will keep him in Austin through 2031 and includes a significant raise. While the exact financial terms of the deal have not been fully disclosed, sources indicate that the extension could be worth around $30 million to $35 million, with the potential for additional bonuses based on performance metrics such as bowl appearances, conference championships, and playoff berths.

The length and financial terms of the extension make it clear that Texas views Sarkisian as the long-term leader of its football program. The decision to lock him in for nearly another decade signals a vote of confidence in his ability to continue the program’s trajectory toward elite status. For Sarkisian, the extension provides both financial security and the opportunity to build something sustainable in Austin—a program capable of competing for national championships year in and year out.

One of the most important aspects of this extension is the timing. With the Longhorns preparing to join the SEC in 2024, the move reflects Texas’ commitment to navigating the challenges of the nation’s toughest conference. The SEC is home to perennial powerhouses such as Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, and competing with these teams will require a stable, experienced leader at the helm. Sarkisian’s contract extension ensures that Texas will have the leadership and continuity it needs during this challenging transition.

Sarkisian’s Influence on the Longhorns

Since arriving at Texas, Sarkisian has had a significant impact on both the culture and performance of the program. One of the most notable aspects of his tenure has been his focus on developing a high-powered, balanced offense. Sarkisian’s offensive system is designed to take advantage of the strengths of his players, and his ability to adapt to different situations and opposing defenses has made him a respected figure in the coaching world.

Quarterback development has been a key focus for Sarkisian, and the results are already evident. Quinn Ewers, who transferred from Ohio State, was a highly touted recruit and a potential future NFL draft pick. Under Sarkisian’s guidance, Ewers showed signs of developing into a leader of the offense, particularly in the team’s upset win over Alabama in 2022. Sarkisian’s ability to bring the best out of his quarterbacks has already paid dividends, and the future looks bright for Ewers as he enters his second season under Sarkisian’s tutelage.

The success of the Texas offense in recent seasons has been accompanied by a steady improvement in the overall talent level of the team. Sarkisian has been able to recruit top-tier talent to Austin, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Arch Manning, the highly touted quarterback prospect and heir to the Manning family legacy, is one of the most notable recruits to join Texas under Sarkisian’s leadership. Manning’s decision to commit to Texas was a statement of belief in Sarkisian’s ability to develop him into a future NFL star.

Beyond recruiting, Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy has revitalized Texas football. The Longhorns have become known for their explosive and versatile attack, which can strike both in the air and on the ground. Sarkisian has implemented an offensive system that blends traditional power running with modern spread concepts, creating a dynamic and unpredictable offensive scheme. This philosophy has already led to significant improvement in Texas’ offensive efficiency, and the team is poised to take the next step in competing with the top teams in college football.

While Sarkisian’s primary focus has been on the offense, he has also assembled a strong coaching staff that has helped improve Texas’ defense. Under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, the Longhorns have made strides in limiting opposing offenses and creating turnovers. While Texas’ defense still has room to improve, the program’s overall balance is on the rise, and this will be critical as the Longhorns prepare to compete in the SEC.

Recruiting Success and the Future of Texas Football

Perhaps one of the most significant reasons for Texas’ optimism under Sarkisian is his success in recruiting. The Longhorns have been able to secure commitments from some of the top recruits in the country, and the 2023 and 2024 recruiting classes are expected to be among the best in the nation. Sarkisian’s reputation as a quarterback developer and his offensive philosophy have been major selling points for recruits, and the commitment of players like Arch Manning shows that Texas is once again becoming a destination program for elite talent.

As Texas prepares to move to the SEC in 2024, recruiting will be even more important. The SEC is home to some of the top recruiting programs in the country, and Texas will need to continue bringing in top-tier players to compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. Sarkisian’s ability to continue recruiting at a high level, both in Texas and nationally, will be crucial to the Longhorns’ long-term success in the SEC.

The 2023 season is expected to be a pivotal year for the Longhorns, as they look to build on their progress from 2022. With Sarkisian’s new contract extension in place, the Longhorns will have the stability and leadership needed to compete for a Big 12 Championship and potentially make a run at the College Football Playoff. The addition of Arch Manning to the roster only heightens expectations for the program’s future, and Sarkisian’s development of the young quarterback will be key to Texas’ success moving forward.