Report: Steve Sarkisian Lands Texas Contract Extension After Declining NFL Interviews
January 18, 2025
Texas head football coach Steve Sarkisian has agreed to a contract extension to remain with the Longhorns, per Brett McMurphy of Action Network, who noted that the 50-year-old previously declined interviews with two NFL teams.
Brett McMurphy @Brett_McMurphySteve Sarkisian agrees to contract extension w/Texas after declining interviews w/2 NFL teams, sources said. UT Board of Regents chairman Kevin Eltife & AD Chris Del Conte were key figures in getting the deal done, source said. Sarkisian has led UT to consecutive <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBPlayoff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CFBPlayoff</a>…
ESPN's Pete Thamel provided more details.
Pete Thamel @PeteThamelTexas has agreed to a new seven-year deal for Steve Sarkisian, which adds a year to his deal and includes a significant raise, per a source. He remains one of the highest paid coaches in the sport, as he'd ranked No. 3 at $10.6 million. Action Network first reported new deal. <a href="https://t.co/8J38LI2JHu">pic.twitter.com/8J38LI2JHu</a>
Sarkisian has been Texas' head coach since 2021. He's led the Longhorns to a 38-17 mark, including 25-5 over the last two seasons. The Longhorns reached the College Football Playoff in 2023 and 2024, falling in the semifinal round both times.
Last year's Texas team won the Big 12 title before earning the CFP's No. 3 seed. This year's team reached the SEC Championship Game and earned the No. 5 seed, defeating Clemson and Arizona State before losing to Ohio State. The Longhorns are also the only team to make the CFP each of the past two years.
It's no surprise that Sarkisian had interest from NFL teams given how well Texas has done the past two years. He has a lengthy two-decade resume that also includes stops in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders (2004, quarterbacks coach) and the Atlanta Falcons (2017-2018, offensive coordinator).
However, it's clear that Sarkisian is committed to Texas. This X post from Thursday also seemed to indicate Sarkisian's loyalty to the school.
The contract extension seals it, of course. Ultimately, it's easy to see why Sarkisian is sticking around given how much success he's found in Austin. And Texas obviously wanted him back given how well the Longhorns have performed under his stewardship.
Now Sarkisian is around long term as he strives to give Texas its first national title since 2005.
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