Steve Sarkisian buyout, contract details as Texas football coach
CBS Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Texas Longhorns became the first team since 1961 to be ranked No. 1 in the AP poll and then lose consecutive games to unranked opponents, following defeats to Oklahoma and Florida.
- Despite Steve Sarkisian's success in raising Texas' performance to a consistent 35-8 over three seasons, the team has yet to become a perennial title contender, currently standing at 4-2 and falling short of national elite status.
- Sarkisian's contract, extended through 2031 and worth over $70 million, includes a buyout clause requiring Texas to pay 85% of the remaining balance—approximately $50.15 million after 2026—making a coaching change financially challenging.
- Any decision to replace Sarkisian would demand strong conviction that he cannot lead Texas to a national title and confidence in securing a superior coach, though no clear successor currently stands out despite Texas' resources.
