TLDR: Steve Sarkisian, the head football coach for the University of Texas at Austin, is set to receive a significant salary increase, positioning him among the highest-paid Division 1 football coaches in the country. The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved this increase, resulting in Sarkisian’s salary reaching $10.3 million this year with future escalations leading to a guaranteed $10.9 million by 2030. This contract represents a 78% salary increase, ensuring Sarkisian at least $74.2 million over the term. Sarkisian, who became head coach in 2021, will also benefit from a 124% rise in performance incentives, with potential bonuses for achievements like winning a conference championship. The decision follows a successful season for the Longhorns, culminating in a Big 12 championship and strong College Football Playoff performance. Sarkisian’s overall record at UT-Austin is 25-14, with accolades including the Big 12 Coach of the Year award. The significance of football coaches’ salaries in public employment is underscored by comparisons with Texas A&M’s Mike Elko and the financial impact of coaching contracts at major football institutions.

The University of Texas at Austin’s head football coach, Steve Sarkisian, has received a major salary boost as part of a new deal approved by the UT System Board of Regents. The adjustment places Sarkisian among the highest-paid in Division 1 football, with his salary now set at a guaranteed $10.3 million for the year. This agreement reflects a concerted effort by the university to retain top talent and build on recent accomplishments.

The terms of this revised contract extend till 2030, incrementing Sarkisian’s earnings by $100,000 annually. By the conclusion of the contract, he will enjoy a guaranteed salary of $10.9 million, marking a significant 78% rise in his base pay. The arrangement, reviewed and approved by the university’s top leadership, provides Sarkisian with a secure financial future, amounting to a total of at least $74.2 million over the next several years.

Sarkisian took on the head coaching role at UT-Austin in 2021 following the departure of former coach Tom Herman. His initial contract reflected a more modest salary of $5.2 million, supplemented by a $200,000 annual raise. Now, beyond just salary, Sarkisian’s performance incentives have climbed by 124%, offering substantial bonuses, such as $300,000 for a conference championship.

This news arrives on the heels of a standout season for the Longhorns, who last year claimed the Big 12 title and advanced to the College Football Playoff. UT-Austin’s announcement of Sarkisian’s four-year contract extension reflects satisfaction with his leadership, which saw the team conclude the season with a 12-2 record and earn a third-place national ranking. Furthermore, Sarkisian was honored as Big 12 Coach of the Year, bolstering his reputation and justifying the university’s confidence in him.

In the competitive realm of college athletics, coaches are frequently among the highest earners. Comparatively, Texas A&M’s head coach Mike Elko receives $7 million annually, while his predecessor, Jimbo Fisher, had drawn a $9 million salary before his contract buyout. Sarkisian’s prior stints include roles as Alabama’s offensive coordinator and head coaching positions at Washington and USC. His trajectory underscores the significant investments universities often make in premier coaching talent.