In college football, coaching changes can have a profound impact on a team’s fortunes, and the University of Texas has seen firsthand how a head coach can transform a program. Over the last few years, Steve Sarkisian, who took over the Texas Longhorns football program in 2021, has slowly but surely steered the team in the right direction, culminating in back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff (CFP). As a result of his success, the Texas Longhorns athletic department has made a significant decision to reward Sarkisian’s efforts—offering him both a contract extension and a raise. This move solidifies his future with the Longhorns and signals a new era of championship aspirations in Austin. In this blog post, we’ll break down Sarkisian’s journey at Texas, the significance of the extension and raise, and what it means for the future of the Longhorns’ football program.
Steve Sarkisian’s Journey to Texas
Steve Sarkisian arrived at Texas in 2021 following a successful stint as the head coach of the University of Washington Huskies and a very brief tenure with the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans. Known for his offensive mind, Sarkisian’s reputation as one of the best offensive coordinators in the country was a big part of what made him an attractive hire for Texas. The Longhorns had struggled to find consistency in the post-Mack Brown era, cycling through multiple coaches, none of whom could get the program back to its glory days. The hiring of Sarkisian was seen as a potential turning point—bringing in a coach with a proven track record and the potential to lead Texas back to national prominence.
However, Sarkisian’s first season at Texas was a mixed bag. While there were glimpses of brilliance in the team’s offensive scheme, the Longhorns finished with a disappointing 5-7 record, which led to questions about his future in Austin. Many critics wondered if Texas had made the right decision, as the program was in a state of flux, and Sarkisian’s team showed inconsistency on both sides of the ball.
But even amid the struggles in 2021, there were signs of Sarkisian’s potential as a coach. The Longhorns’ offense showed promise, with standout players like Bijan Robinson and Xavier Worthy flashing incredible talent. Still, Texas needed time to adjust to Sarkisian’s system and philosophy. The 2021 season was a year of growing pains, but it also laid the groundwork for what would come in 2022 and beyond.
The Turnaround: Sarkisian Leads Texas to Consecutive CFP Appearances
In 2022, everything started to click for Texas. The Longhorns experienced a dramatic turnaround, finishing the season with a 10-2 record and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. Sarkisian’s offense began to operate at a high level, thanks to the development of quarterback Quinn Ewers and a strong supporting cast. The combination of Ewers’ ability to stretch the field, Robinson’s dominance as a running back, and the team’s improved defense gave Texas a well-rounded roster capable of competing with the best in the country.
The Longhorns made their mark in the Big 12, with key victories over teams like Oklahoma, Baylor, and Iowa State. By the time the regular season concluded, Texas had earned a spot in the CFP, a monumental achievement for the program. This marked Texas’ first appearance in the playoff since 2009, and it signaled that the program was back on track under Sarkisian’s leadership.
In 2023, Sarkisian and his team built upon the success of the previous season. The Longhorns made another CFP appearance, further cementing the notion that Texas was no longer a rebuilding program but a legitimate contender on the national stage. The team continued to evolve, with a strong defense led by players like linebacker Jaylan Ford and cornerback Jalen Catalon, while the offense continued to hum under the guidance of Sarkisian.
While Texas ultimately fell short in the CFP semifinals both years, the program’s sustained success under Sarkisian left little doubt that the team was poised to be a force for years to come. Sarkisian’s ability to recruit elite talent, develop players, and lead his team to the pinnacle of college football was undeniable, and it was clear that he had Texas trending upward once again.
The Raise and Extension: Rewarding Sarkisian’s Success
With the Longhorns’ back-to-back appearances in the CFP, the Texas athletic department saw fit to reward Steve Sarkisian for his efforts. In early 2024, the university announced that Sarkisian had received both a raise and a contract extension, solidifying his future with the program for the foreseeable future. The terms of the new deal were not immediately released, but it was reported that Sarkisian’s salary would increase significantly, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
This decision was a clear recognition of Sarkisian’s ability to turn the program around and put Texas back into the national conversation. The university had made it clear that they were committed to the success of the football program, and rewarding Sarkisian was a step in the right direction. After years of instability and failed coaching hires, the Longhorns were making a statement: they believed in Sarkisian’s vision for the future.
The extension also provides Sarkisian with security, allowing him to continue his work without the pressure of constant speculation about his future. This stability is crucial for a program that has seen many coaching changes in recent decades, and it ensures that Sarkisian will have the time and resources to build Texas into a consistent championship contender.
Why the Raise and Extension Are Important for Texas Football
The decision to extend Sarkisian’s contract and give him a raise is about more than just rewarding a coach—it’s about reinforcing Texas’ commitment to becoming a dominant force in college football once again. The program has immense resources, a proud history, and a passionate fanbase, but it has been struggling to find sustained success in recent years. Sarkisian’s raise and extension signal a renewed sense of optimism and belief in the direction of the program.
1. Recruiting Advantages
One of the most important implications of the contract extension is the boost it provides to Sarkisian’s recruiting efforts. College football recruiting is a highly competitive landscape, and having a long-term commitment from the head coach can be a key selling point when trying to bring in top-tier talent. High school recruits and transfer portal players alike want to know that they’re joining a stable program with a coach who has a clear vision and is going to be around for the long haul. Sarkisian’s extension assures recruits that Texas is committed to its football future and is investing in the right leadership to make that future successful.
2. Stability and Long-Term Vision
In the world of college football, stability is often the key to long-term success. Programs that have had sustained success over the years—such as Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio State—have done so largely because they’ve had long-tenured coaches who have been able to build and maintain successful programs. By giving Sarkisian a raise and extension, Texas is ensuring that the program has the stability it needs to continue building on its recent successes. This stability is crucial for keeping the program on track as the Longhorns look to compete in the highly competitive SEC (Southeastern Conference) in the near future.
3. Fan and Alumni Support
For Texas fans and alumni, the contract extension sends a clear message: the university is serious about returning to national prominence in college football. After years of frustration and uncertainty, the Longhorns are showing that they believe in Sarkisian’s ability to lead the team to a championship. This boost in confidence from the university will undoubtedly energize the fanbase and help rekindle the excitement surrounding Longhorn football.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Texas Football
With Sarkisian secured for the foreseeable future, the Longhorns’ future looks bright. The program is poised to continue competing for Big 12 championships and CFP berths, and the move to the SEC in 2024 will only add to the challenge and excitement for the team. As Sarkisian continues to recruit and develop his players, the Longhorns could soon find themselves in the hunt for a national title once again.
In conclusion, Steve Sarkisian’s raise and extension after consecutive years in the CFP is a major milestone for Texas football. It not only rewards a coach who has brought the program back to national relevance but also sets the stage for future success. The Longhorns are back, and with Sarkisian at the helm, they are primed to be a force in college football for years to come.
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