The world of college football is often marked by eye-popping salaries, with head coaches regularly commanding hefty paydays that reflect the immense responsibility they bear in shaping successful programs. At the University of Texas, Steve Sarkisian is no exception. In 2024, Sarkisian is set to earn an astonishing $10.6 million in school pay, excluding bonuses. This hefty paycheck not only underscores Sarkisian’s standing as one of the top-tier coaches in the college football landscape, but it also raises important questions about the financial landscape of college athletics, Texas’ investment in its football program, and what the future holds for Sarkisian and the Longhorns.
1. The Financial Landscape of College Football
To understand the significance of Sarkisian’s 2024 salary, it’s essential to first examine the broader financial picture of college football. Coaches at the helm of elite programs routinely earn impressive salaries, with many contracts surpassing the $10 million mark.
Texas, a school with a storied football history and an enormous budget, has invested heavily in its football program over the years. This is particularly evident in the University of Texas’ decision to pay its head coach $10.6 million in 2024, a substantial figure that places Sarkisian among the highest-paid coaches in the nation. The university’s commitment to achieving long-term success on the gridiron is evident not just in this salary figure but also in their investments in facilities, recruiting, and support staff.
Sarkisian’s salary places him in an elite group of college football coaches who command top-dollar pay for leading prominent programs. Coaches like Nick Saban at Alabama, Kirby Smart at Georgia, and Dabo Swinney at Clemson also occupy this rarefied air in terms of compensation, demonstrating the competition and pressure that comes with coaching at the highest levels of college football.
2. Breakdown of Sarkisian’s Salary
Steve Sarkisian’s contract at Texas for the 2024 season is a comprehensive one, designed to keep him at the forefront of the Longhorns’ football program. The $10.6 million salary is composed entirely of base pay, which does not include additional bonuses for performance-based achievements like winning conference titles, bowl games, or making the College Football Playoff (CFP).
For comparison, here is a breakdown of the types of income that typically make up a high-profile head coach’s salary package:
- Base Salary: This represents the guaranteed money a coach receives from the school, typically paid in regular installments. For Sarkisian, this base pay of $10.6 million is substantial enough to place him among the highest earners in college football.
- Bonuses: Most elite coaches also have the potential to earn significant bonuses based on performance. These bonuses could be tied to winning conference championships, advancing to major bowl games like the Sugar Bowl or Rose Bowl, or making it into the CFP. While these bonuses are not included in his base salary, they could push Sarkisian’s total earnings even higher.
- Outside Deals: Some coaches also benefit from external sponsorships, advertising deals, and television appearances. While Sarkisian’s salary is focused on his role at Texas, it’s important to note that coaches often have additional sources of income through these types of arrangements.
3. Texas’ Commitment to Excellence in Football
Texas has long been one of the most prestigious programs in college football. With its massive fan base, iconic stadium, and considerable financial resources, the Longhorns are consistently in the mix for top-tier recruits and national championships. As such, the program has placed an immense focus on hiring elite talent to lead the team.
When Steve Sarkisian was hired as head coach in January 2021, his contract was reflective of the program’s commitment to restoring Texas to the top of college football. After a disappointing 2020 season, the Longhorns brought in Sarkisian with the hope that his pedigree—having been the offensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban and the head coach at USC—would help the program regain its former glory.
In terms of his salary, Sarkisian’s $10.6 million is not just a reflection of his accomplishments but also a signal from the university that they are willing to invest in a top-tier coach who can navigate the pressures of competing in the tough Big 12 conference and, eventually, the SEC. Texas’ transition to the Southeastern Conference, slated for the 2025 season, only adds to the importance of Sarkisian’s role in maintaining the program’s competitiveness.
4. The Pressure of Sarkisian’s Salary
While a $10.6 million salary is undoubtedly impressive, it also comes with its fair share of pressure. Sarkisian is being compensated handsomely, but he must produce results on the field to justify that investment. Winning games, especially in the Big 12, and advancing to the CFP are crucial for maintaining his position at Texas.
The challenge is particularly significant given the high expectations surrounding Sarkisian’s tenure. Texas is a blue-chip program with vast resources, and after several years of underperforming (especially in big games), fans are anxious for a return to national relevance. Sarkisian is expected to not only deliver competitive teams but also put together a system that consistently produces top-tier results.
At $10.6 million, Sarkisian is now among the highest-paid coaches in the nation. That means the pressure to deliver championships and meet the expectations of fans and boosters is greater than ever. With the transition to the SEC approaching, Sarkisian faces an even steeper challenge—competing against programs with rich traditions and elite recruiting pipelines in the most competitive conference in college football.
5. The Expectations: Championship or Bust?
With a salary of $10.6 million, expectations are naturally high. Sarkisian, who inherited a program with talent but in need of direction, has shown progress in his first few years as head coach. Texas has had some notable wins under his leadership, but the Longhorns have also had some frustrating losses. For many fans, the 2024 season will be a decisive one for Sarkisian’s future at Texas.
- On-Field Performance: The most significant expectation is for Sarkisian to consistently lead the Longhorns to victories over rival teams like Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Baylor, and ultimately contend for the Big 12 Championship. Once Texas transitions to the SEC, he’ll be expected to perform on an even larger stage against perennial powerhouses like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU.
- Recruiting: Another key expectation is for Sarkisian to continue building a top-notch recruiting class year in and year out. As one of the highest-paid coaches in the country, Sarkisian must bring in elite talent, particularly in crucial positions like quarterback, offensive line, and defensive backfield. His ability to recruit will directly impact the program’s future success.
- Big Game Performance: Perhaps the most glaring expectation is for Sarkisian to start winning the “big games” that have historically eluded Texas. After a rough stretch of years under the previous coaching staff, Texas fans are eager to see the Longhorns rise to national prominence once again. Sarkisian’s ability to win key matchups against top-ranked teams, especially in postseason play, will be crucial to his long-term success.
6. Sarkisian’s Role in Texas’ SEC Transition
The transition to the SEC in 2025 will be one of the defining moments for Sarkisian and the Longhorns. The SEC is widely regarded as the most competitive conference in college football, featuring elite programs that compete at the highest levels year after year. If Texas is to remain a national contender, it will be imperative for Sarkisian to hit the ground running and quickly adjust to the new challenges that the SEC presents.
With such a massive salary, Sarkisian’s leadership during this transition period will be critical. He will need to recruit at an even higher level, adjust his strategies to account for the rigorous competition of the SEC, and ensure that the team can handle the pressure of being in one of the most high-profile conferences in the nation.
Given the substantial financial commitment Texas has made to Sarkisian, it’s clear the university views him as the man who can guide them into the next chapter of college football. His success (or failure) in the SEC will ultimately determine whether his salary was justified.
7. Looking Ahead: Sarkisian’s Future at Texas
Looking ahead, the success of Steve Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas will depend on his ability to meet the expectations that come with such a lucrative contract. If he is able to lead Texas to consistent championships and playoff appearances, his $10.6 million salary will prove to be a sound investment. However, if the program continues to underperform, especially once the team enters the SEC, it could prompt questions about whether Sarkisian is the right fit for the job.
Ultimately, Sarkisian’s 2024 salary of $10.6 million is a reflection of both the immense pressure he faces and the faith Texas has in his ability to turn the program into a perennial national contender. The next few seasons will be crucial in determining whether Sarkisian can live up to this investment and deliver the results that Longhorns fans are clamoring for.
