Texas Regents Approve Contract and Salary Extensions for Sarkisian
The University of Texas System Board of Regents made a significant decision on Thursday, approving a raise and contract extension for football coach Steve Sarkisian. The board’s endorsement comes on the heels of the Longhorns’ impressive back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals, a testament to Sarkisian’s leadership and the team’s growing competitiveness. The new contract extends Sarkisian’s tenure by one additional year, now running through the 2031 season. Additionally, his base salary is set to increase from $10.4 million to $10.8 million this year, with annual raises pushing his total compensation to $12.3 million by the final year of the contract. This financial commitment reflects the university’s confidence in Sarkisian’s ability to sustain and elevate the program’s success.
Celebrating Recent Achievements
Steve Sarkisian, now 50 years old, has been a cornerstone of the University of Texas football program since he took the helm in 2018. In just four seasons, he has amassed an impressive record of 38-17, solidifying the Longhorns as a formidable force in college football. One of the most remarkable achievements was the team’s midseason rise to the No. 1 ranking in 2024, a position they hadn’t held in 16 years. This milestone not only highlighted the team’s skill and resilience but also brought a renewed sense of pride to the university. The Longhorns’ participation in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship in their inaugural season within the league further underscored the program’s ascent and its potential to compete at the highest levels of college football.
A Bright Future with Arch Manning
One of the most exciting aspects of the Longhorns’ future is the expected transition to Arch Manning as the starting quarterback. Arch, the son of Cooper Manning, the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, and the nephew of Super Bowl-winning QBs Peyton and Eli Manning, is a prodigious talent with a storied football lineage. Despite only starting two games this season to fill in for the injured Quinn Ewers, Arch demonstrated remarkable poise and skill, passing for 939 yards and nine touchdowns while also contributing with four rushing touchdowns. His presence on the field has already begun to inspire the team and its fans, and his potential to lead the Longhorns to national championship contention next season is a source of great optimism.
Preparing for the NFL Draft
Quinn Ewers, the outgoing starting quarterback, has declared for the NFL draft after three successful seasons at Texas. Ewers is one of 14 Texas players invited to the prestigious NFL draft combine, a clear indication of the program’s ability to develop top-tier talent. The combine serves as a crucial platform for these players to showcase their skills and impress NFL scouts and coaches. Ewers’ decision to enter the draft is a natural progression in his career, and his contributions to the Longhorns have been invaluable. The team will miss his leadership and experience, but the prospect of Arch Manning stepping in offers a promising outlook for the future.
Supporting Staff Extensions
The board’s decision to extend contracts and increase salaries for special teams coordinator Jeff Banks and linebackers coach Johnny Nansen further reinforces the university’s commitment to maintaining a high-performing coaching staff. Jeff Banks, whose new deal will extend through 2027, will see his salary rise to $1.3 million. Johnny Nansen’s contract, now extended to 2026, will see his compensation reach $1.2 million. Both coaches have played pivotal roles in the team’s recent successes, and their continued presence is expected to provide stability and expertise as the Longhorns navigate the competitive landscape of the SEC and aim for the national championship.
A Year of Transition and Triumph
The upcoming year will be a pivotal one for the University of Texas football program. With the transition to Arch Manning as the starting quarterback, the team is poised to build on the momentum of the past two seasons. The new contract and salary adjustments for Sarkisian and his key assistants signal a strong belief in the program’s direction and its ability to attract and retain top talent. As the Longhorns prepare to face formidable challenges in the SEC and aspire to reach new heights in the national rankings, the support from the Board of Regents and the university administration provides a solid foundation for continued success. Texas fans and the football community are eagerly watching as this storied program looks to write the next chapter in its rich history.
