In a bold move signaling stability and long-term vision, the University of Texas has officially announced a massive 15-year contract extension for head football coach Steve Sarkisian. The unprecedented deal will keep Sarkisian in Austin through the 2039 season — a move he says marks his final stop in a storied coaching career.
The extension, announced earlier today by UT Athletic Director Chris Del Conte, reflects the university’s confidence in Sarkisian’s leadership and the direction of the Longhorns football program as they continue to transition into the SEC era.
“I’m honored and humbled to commit the rest of my coaching career to the University of Texas,” Sarkisian said during a press conference at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. “Texas isn’t just another job — it’s the job. We’ve built something special here, and I’m all in. This isn’t just about football. It’s about building a culture, a legacy, and a standard of excellence that lasts beyond my time.”
Sarkisian took over the Longhorns program in 2021 and has methodically rebuilt it into a national contender. After a solid 2022 season and a dominant 2023 campaign that saw the Longhorns reach the College Football Playoff, Sarkisian continued to solidify Texas as a powerhouse in 2024, finishing with an 11-2 record and a Sugar Bowl win over Ole Miss in their inaugural SEC season.
The 15-year extension is one of the longest active contracts in college football and includes performance-based incentives, recruiting bonuses, and a significant increase in resources for staff and player development. According to sources, the deal also features a clause that allows Sarkisian to retire on his own terms, reaffirming his plan to make Texas his final coaching destination.
Del Conte praised Sarkisian’s impact on the program, stating, “Coach Sarkisian has brought Texas Football back to where it belongs — in the national conversation, competing for championships, and representing this university with pride and class. Today’s announcement is a commitment to consistency, culture, and winning at the highest level.”
Players and alumni responded to the news with excitement and support. Star quarterback Arch Manning, returning for his junior season, wrote on social media: “Coach Sark is family. Let’s finish what we started.”
Sarkisian’s recruiting success has also been a major factor in Texas’ resurgence. With back-to-back top-five recruiting classes and a reputation for developing quarterbacks and explosive offenses, the Longhorns are set up for long-term success under his continued leadership.
Sarkisian credited his staff, players, and the Austin community for making Texas home. “It’s not just the name on the jersey. It’s the people, the work, and the belief. We’re building something that’s going to stand the test of time.”
With one of the most talented rosters in the country and renewed momentum, Texas now enters the 2025 season with a clear goal — bringing a national championship back to Austin.
More updates to follow as details of the d
eal continue to emerge.
