The University of Texas has made a significant financial commitment to its football program by rewarding head coach Steve Sarkisian with a substantial pay raise, bumping his annual salary to $10.8 million per year. This $400,000 increase in pay underscores the high expectations and ambitions surrounding Texas football, as the program continues its push to return to national prominence. With the long-term vision of Texas as a championship contender, the university has made it clear that they believe in Sarkisian’s leadership, but this decision also brings with it added pressure to meet those expectations.
This blog post will explore the details of Sarkisian’s pay raise, what it means for his future with the program, and how this new financial commitment could affect Texas football moving forward. We will also examine the growing expectations for Sarkisian as Texas enters a new era in the highly competitive world of college football.
### The Contract Extension: A Reflection of Confidence
Steve Sarkisian’s contract extension and pay raise were officially announced as part of the university’s effort to retain him as the leader of Texas football. With a new salary of $10.8 million per year, Sarkisian becomes one of the highest-paid coaches in college football, a clear signal from Texas that the program is invested in his success. While the pay raise may appear to be a generous reward, it’s also an acknowledgment that the school is staking a lot on Sarkisian’s ability to return the Longhorns to greatness.
Texas has a rich football history, but in recent years, the program has faced criticism for not living up to the lofty expectations set by its passionate fanbase and boosters. Sarkisian, who took over as head coach in 2021, inherited a program that had seen periods of mediocrity, and the pressure to revive the program quickly has been intense. However, the university’s commitment to Sarkisian with this raise shows that they believe he is the right man for the job, and they’re willing to invest heavily in his future.
This decision to increase his salary comes on the heels of Sarkisian’s steady improvement of the program since his arrival. Under his guidance, Texas showed notable progress in key areas such as recruiting, offensive production, and the development of a more disciplined team. While the Longhorns are still searching for their first major bowl game appearance in years, Sarkisian’s work has set a solid foundation for future success.
### Sarkisian’s Success So Far: Signs of Progress
When Steve Sarkisian was hired in January 2021, many were cautiously optimistic about his ability to lead Texas back to national relevance. Sarkisian brought a wealth of experience, including a successful stint as the offensive coordinator at Alabama, where he helped develop one of the most dynamic offenses in college football history. He was viewed as a coach with an offensive mind that could lead the Longhorns into a new era of high-scoring football.
The early days of Sarkisian’s tenure were rocky, as he inherited a team with inconsistent quarterback play and an offense that was struggling to find its identity. However, by his second season, there were clear signs of improvement. The Longhorns began to play with more consistency on offense, and the program made strides in recruiting, attracting some of the top talent in the nation. These improvements culminated in a much stronger finish to the 2022 season, where Texas became one of the more competitive teams in the Big 12.
While the team still faces challenges, such as improving its defense and finding consistency at quarterback, there’s no doubt that Sarkisian’s approach is beginning to bear fruit. Under his leadership, Texas has reestablished itself as a legitimate contender in the Big 12, and the team has made notable strides toward becoming a perennial powerhouse. The university has recognized these developments, which is why they’ve opted to reward him with a significant raise.
### The Pressure of Expectations: Sarkisian’s Task Moving Forward
While the $400,000 pay raise is undoubtedly a sign of confidence in Sarkisian, it also places a tremendous amount of pressure on him to deliver results. Texas football fans are known for their passionate support of the team, but they are also highly critical when the program falls short of its potential. With this substantial financial commitment, the university is signaling that it expects Sarkisian to lead the Longhorns back to national championship contention in the near future.
Texas has been in a state of flux since the retirement of legendary coach Mack Brown, and the fanbase is anxious to return to the glory days of the early 2000s, when the program won a national championship and consistently competed for titles. While Sarkisian has made progress, the reality is that he needs to take the program to the next level. With Oklahoma and Texas both preparing to leave the Big 12 for the SEC, the competition will only get fiercer, and expectations will increase.
Sarkisian’s biggest challenge moving forward will be translating potential into consistent success. While his offensive schemes have been praised, the Longhorns still need to find a way to become more well-rounded, with a stronger defense and special teams. Texas also needs to find a stable quarterback under Sarkisian’s watch, as inconsistent quarterback play has been a major issue for the program in recent seasons.
Additionally, the looming move to the SEC will add another layer of difficulty for Sarkisian. As one of the toughest conferences in college football, the SEC will bring new challenges for Texas in terms of both recruiting and on-field performance. With powerhouse teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU already established in the SEC, Sarkisian must prove that Texas can compete at the highest level.
### Recruiting: Sarkisian’s Key to Success
One of the most important aspects of Steve Sarkisian’s future success at Texas will be his ability to recruit at an elite level. The recruiting landscape in college football has evolved, and having top-tier talent is critical to winning championships. Fortunately for Sarkisian, his background as an offensive coordinator at Alabama has given him a unique advantage in recruiting, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
Sarkisian has already shown his ability to bring in highly sought-after recruits, and Texas has quickly established itself as a major player in the national recruiting race. However, as Sarkisian continues to build his program, the focus will need to shift to ensuring that the talent he brings in translates to on-field success. With the increased competition in the SEC, every recruiting class will need to be better than the last.
### The Future of Texas Football Under Sarkisian
The $400,000 raise to $10.8 million per year makes it clear that Texas is committed to Steve Sarkisian’s vision for the future of the program. The Longhorns’ road to national contention may not be smooth, but with Sarkisian at the helm, there is optimism that the team can return to prominence. With recruiting on the rise and steady progress on both sides of the ball, Texas has the pieces in place to make a run at championships in the coming years.
However, Sarkisian must prove that he can handle the pressures that come with such a significant raise. The expectations for Texas football are high, and fans are ready to see results. In the cutthroat world of college football, success is measured by wins, championships, and consistency. The pressure is now on Sarkisian to elevate the program to a level where Texas can consistently compete for titles in the SEC.
In conclusion, the decision to give Steve Sarkisian a $400,000 raise to $10.8 million per year is both a reward for his progress and a reminder of the high expectations that come with coaching at Texas. As Sarkisian enters the next phase of his tenure, all eyes will be on the Longhorns to see if they can take the next step toward returning to championship glory. The future of Texas football hinges on Sarkisian’s ability to meet those expectations, and with the financial backing of the university, he now has the opportunity to prove that he is the right coach for the job.