Sarkisian’s new contract with Texas keeps him among the highest-paid college football bosses.

In the world of college football, coaching contracts often reflect the immense pressure and the high stakes involved in leading a premier program. In a sport where success is defined by national championships, bowl games, and the ability to attract top-tier talent, college football coaches are often compensated handsomely for their efforts.

One such example of a coach who is thriving both on the field and in the financial realm is Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns. Sarkisian, who has been at the helm of the Longhorns since 2021, has seen his stock rise steadily in a very competitive and dynamic coaching landscape. His recent contract extension solidifies his status among the highest-paid coaches in college football, cementing his future in Austin and underscoring the high expectations that come with coaching at a storied program like Texas.

This new deal not only highlights Sarkisian’s achievements and the trajectory of the Texas football program but also places him in an elite class of coaches who are rewriting the financial playbook for college football coaching contracts. Let’s take a deep dive into Sarkisian’s new contract, the factors that led to its negotiation, and the impact it will have on Texas football in the coming years.

The Path to Texas: Sarkisian’s Career Trajectory

Before diving into the specifics of the contract, it’s important to look at how Steve Sarkisian arrived at this moment in his career. The 2021 hire was a pivotal one for Texas, coming at a time when the Longhorns were in search of a new direction after a disappointing stretch under former head coach Tom Herman.

Sarkisian came to Texas with an impressive coaching pedigree. He had served as the head coach at Washington (2014-2013) and USC (2014-2015), before taking on a critical role as the offensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban from 2019 to 2020. During his tenure at Alabama, Sarkisian helped lead the Crimson Tide to a national championship, showcasing his ability to orchestrate high-powered offenses with an elite group of players. This success made him a prime candidate for the Texas job when the Longhorns were searching for a new head coach.

Sarkisian inherited a Texas team that was full of potential but also struggling with inconsistency. His offensive acumen was immediately evident, as he sought to modernize the Longhorns’ attack, leaning on a system that was high-tempo, balanced, and built around an explosive passing game. Sarkisian’s first couple of years at Texas have been a mixture of ups and downs, but he has shown signs of transforming the program into a national contender once again.

2023 was a particularly important year for Sarkisian’s tenure, as Texas made significant strides under his leadership, finishing the regular season with a strong record, a win over Oklahoma, and the program’s first appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game since 2018. The team’s growth during this period made it clear that Sarkisian had the vision and leadership to get Texas back into the upper echelon of college football, setting the stage for what would be a well-deserved contract extension.

The Terms of Sarkisian’s New Contract

Sarkisian’s new contract, finalized in 2025, is a landmark deal that solidifies his place as one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. According to reports, Sarkisian will be making an annual salary of $11.5 million, placing him in the same financial tier as some of the most successful and well-known coaches in the sport. This contract extension includes multiple incentives, a significant signing bonus, and performance-based bonuses that reflect the importance of sustained success at a program like Texas.

The new deal also ensures that Sarkisian will be under contract with Texas for the long term, with the extension running through the 2030 season. This gives him the financial stability and job security to continue building the program and recruiting top talent to Austin.

With this contract extension, Sarkisian joins an exclusive club of coaches who are among the highest earners in the college football world. Coaches like Nick Saban (Alabama), Dabo Swinney (Clemson), and Kirby Smart (Georgia) have long been at the top of the salary list, but Sarkisian’s deal places him firmly in their company. As college football continues to evolve, the monetary stakes involved in coaching have increased dramatically, and Texas has shown they are willing to invest in their program and their head coach to achieve national success.

What the Contract Means for Texas Football

The extension of Sarkisian’s contract is much more than a financial transaction—it is a powerful statement of intent from the Texas administration. It shows that the school is fully committed to Sarkisian’s vision for the program and believes in his ability to lead the Longhorns back to prominence.

Sarkisian’s new contract also reflects the high expectations placed on Texas football. The Longhorns have a storied history, including multiple national championships and a rich tradition of success, but the program has struggled to regain its former glory in recent years. Sarkisian’s hiring was seen as an opportunity to bring Texas back to the top of the college football world, and his contract extension suggests that the school believes he is the right man for the job.

Moreover, this deal also provides Sarkisian with the financial freedom to continue recruiting at the highest level. Texas has always had access to some of the top talent in the country, and Sarkisian’s offensive system has proven to be a major draw for elite high school players. With the extension in place, the Longhorns are poised to continue building a top-tier roster that can compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and other powerhouses in the college football world.

The contract extension also sends a message to the rest of the Big 12 and the upcoming SEC transition. As Texas prepares to move to the SEC in the near future, having Sarkisian locked in long-term provides a sense of stability and continuity as the team faces a new level of competition. The SEC is widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football, and having a coach like Sarkisian, who has experience in high-pressure situations, will be crucial as Texas transitions to the nation’s most competitive league.

The Recruiting Boost

Sarkisian’s new deal will undoubtedly have a profound impact on recruiting. One of the most important aspects of coaching success in college football is the ability to bring in top-tier talent, and Sarkisian has already demonstrated his aptitude in this area.

His ability to recruit has been one of his defining strengths, particularly when it comes to landing quarterbacks and skilled players on the offensive side of the ball. Sarkisian’s time at Alabama helped him build relationships with high school players, and his reputation as a quarterback whisperer has made Texas an attractive destination for some of the top offensive recruits in the country.

The 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes have already seen notable commitments, and the extension further solidifies Texas as a top contender in the recruiting wars. With his increased job security and financial backing, Sarkisian will have the ability to continue targeting elite recruits who can help Texas compete for national titles.

In addition to high school talent, Sarkisian will also be able to build a strong presence in the transfer portal, an area of the game that has become increasingly important in today’s college football landscape. With his expertise in identifying and developing talent, Sarkisian is well-positioned to use the portal to supplement his roster and create a team capable of competing at the highest level.

The Financial Landscape of College Football Coaching

Sarkisian’s new contract also highlights a broader trend in college football: the skyrocketing salaries of head coaches. As television deals, sponsorships, and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals continue to pour money into college athletics, the financial expectations for coaches have risen dramatically.

This trend has led to some coaches becoming multimillionaires, with compensation packages that reflect not just their coaching expertise but also their ability to generate revenue for their programs. Schools like Texas, which have large fanbases and lucrative media contracts, are able to offer these massive contracts to ensure they can attract and retain top-tier coaching talent.

While the salaries may seem astronomical, they also reflect the immense pressure and responsibility that comes with coaching at a school like Texas. Winning a national championship or competing at the highest level requires substantial resources, and the financial investments in coaches like Sarkisian are seen as critical to a program’s long-term success.

The Road Ahead for Sarkisian and Texas Football

Steve Sarkisian’s new contract extension represents more than just a financial windfall—it’s a recognition of his potential to return Texas to its rightful place among the elite teams in college football. With the backing of the administration, the financial resources to continue building a powerhouse, and the ability to recruit at the highest level, Sarkisian is well-positioned to lead the Longhorns into the next chapter of their storied history.

As Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can deliver on the promise of a national championship. The road to the top will undoubtedly be difficult, but with his leadership and vision, Texas has the potential to become a true powerhouse in the coming years. The Longhorns’ future looks bright, and Sarkisian’s new contract ensures that he will be at the forefront of that future.