The Texas Longhorns have decided to go all in on their football program's future, cementing head coach Steve Sarkisian's status with a lucrative contract extension designed to keep him at the University of Texas through 2031. KXAN reports that Sarkisian is set to reel in an impressive $12.3 million in his final contract year, a notable increase from the previously agreed $10.9 million, ensuring he remains one of the top earners in college football.
After successfully steering the Texas football team to a series of wins and championship games, Sarkisian has been able to leverage his success to negotiate this pay bump. His 38-17 record over four years, including back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinal appearances, clearly illustrates why the university was willing to, quite securely, bet big on his tenure. The Austin American-Statesman details the incremental increases in Sarkisian's compensation, set to surpass the $11 million mark by 2026 and cruise to $12 million by 2030, before finishing at the $12.3 million zenith in 2031.
Sarkisian's financial gain also includes unchanged performance incentives; his earnings could swell with additional bonuses tied to the Longhorns' success in the playoffs, not to mention a potential $1.25 million cherry on top if they win the national championship. Meanwhile, his assistants aren't getting left in the financial dust either. Both special teams coordinator Jeff Banks and linebackers coach Johnny Nansen are also on the receiving end of raises and contract extensions, with Banks's salary set to hit $1.3 million by March 2027 and Nansen's climbing to $1.2 million by the same year, according to KXAN.
Up for approval at the University of Texas System Board of Regents meeting, which spans February 19-20, these contract details look to set Texas up as a formidable presence in college football for years to come. Sarkisian's commitment to the Longhorns and the university's reciprocation clearly aims to further solidify a partnership that has, thus far, proven mutually beneficial. Despite these big numbers flying around, the expected fiscal payout seemingly reflects the belief that Sarkisian's program will continue to yield dividends on the field. And with the new contract, Texas seems to be signaling a clear message: they're not just playing games; they're investing in a legacy.
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