Texas Coach's HUGE Payday! Sarkisian's Contract REVEALED!
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is sitting pretty as he heads into the 2025 season. Not only is he leading a team with high expectations, but he's also commanding a hefty salary. According to recent data, Sarkisian's salary ranks as the No. 3 largest in college football, clocking in at a cool $10.6 million.
Sarkisian's Lucrative Contract: A Breakdown
While $10.6 million is the base salary, it's not the whole story. Sarkisian's contract includes various incentives that could significantly boost his earnings throughout the year. For instance, he received a $300,000 'one-time special payment' earlier this year. The details of the full incentive package are not fully public, but it is tied to team performance and other achievements.
The Price of a Firing: Sarkisian's Buyout
What if things don't go as planned? Sarkisian's buyout is a staggering $55 million as of December 1, 2024. This figure ranks as the No. 8 most expensive in the nation, showing how much value the University of Texas places on his role. The buyout amount is subject to Sarkisian's duty to find another job, with income from that employment potentially offsetting the amount owed.
Potential Bonuses: Adding to the Millions
On top of the base salary and potential buyout, Sarkisian can also earn up to $1.85 million in bonuses this season. This further incentivizes him to lead the Longhorns to success on the field.
Mackovic's Manning Misses: A Historical Perspective
Before Sarkisian, there were other coaches who sought to bring Manning talent to Texas. ESPN recently highlighted John Mackovic's unsuccessful attempts to recruit Cooper and Peyton Manning. These stories offer a fascinating look at the program's history and the challenges of attracting top talent.
During Cooper Manning's recruitment, Texas was mired in mediocrity. Mackovic, who replaced David McWilliams, inherited a program struggling to regain its former glory. His attempts to land the Manning brothers were ultimately unsuccessful, highlighting the program's struggles at the time.
These historical anecdotes provide context for Sarkisian's current position. He's not only tasked with winning games but also with building a program that can consistently attract top recruits, including potential future Mannings.