Texas Coach Sarkisian’s Salary: $10 Million Annually
In a recent contract extension, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian will be making an impressive salary of over $10 million per year. The details of the deal were released by the school, revealing that Sarkisian’s base salary for 2023 was $5.6 million and was set to increase to $5.8 million in 2024. However, his salary will now jump to a staggering $10.3 million in 2024, with annual raises of $100,000 for the duration of the contract, which runs through the 2030 season. In total, Sarkisian is guaranteed $74.2 million over the remaining seven years of the deal.
In addition to his substantial salary, Sarkisian will also receive a special one-time payment of $300,000 from Texas. This payment is scheduled to be made on or before April 1. The terms of Sarkisian’s new contract were posted on the agenda for the University of Texas System’s upcoming board of regents meeting on Feb. 21, where the contract is expected to be formally approved.
Furthermore, Sarkisian’s new contract includes significant annual performance incentives. Previously, he could earn a maximum of $825,000 annually in performance bonuses. However, under his new contract, this amount has increased to a maximum of $1.825 million per year. These bonuses are based on the team’s performance in the College Football Playoff. Sarkisian would receive a $250,000 bonus for leading the team to the first round, followed by $500,000 for a quarterfinal appearance, $750,000 for a semifinal appearance, $1 million for a title game appearance, and an impressive $1.25 million for winning it all. It’s important to note that these Playoff bonuses are not cumulative.
While Sarkisian’s contract extension has been the focus of attention, the University of Texas System’s board of regents is also expected to approve contract extensions for other members of the coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Kyle Flood, defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, and special teams coordinator Jeff Banks are all set to have their contracts extended through the 2026 season. Flood, who had two years remaining on his contract, will now receive an additional year. His salary will be $1.325 million in 2024, $1.4 million in 2025, and $1.475 million in 2026.
Kwiatkowski, whose contract was set to expire after the 2024 season, will receive a two-year extension. His salary will increase from $1.7 million to $1.8 million this year, followed by $1.9 million in 2025 and $2 million in 2026. Similarly, Banks, whose deal had one year remaining, will also receive a two-year extension. He will earn $1.15 million in 2024, $1.2 million in 2025, and $1.25 million in 2026.
These contract amendments come on the heels of a successful season for the Longhorns. In 2023, they achieved their best record since 2009, going 12-2 and making their first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff. With the return of starting quarterback Quinn Ewers and four out of five starters on the offensive line, Texas is looking promising for the upcoming season. In fact, they are ranked No. 3 in The Athletic’s latest Way-Too-Early preseason top 25.
As the University of Texas System’s board of regents prepares to rubber-stamp these contract extensions, it is clear that they are investing heavily in their football program. With a highly compensated head coach and an experienced coaching staff, the Longhorns are poised to continue their success on the field and compete at the highest level of college football.