Steve Sarkisian earns $11.05 million in 2026 at Texas on a seven year contract that runs through the 2031 season. The University of Texas System regents approved the deal in February 2025, after Sarkisian turned down NFL interviews and led Texas to a second straight College Football Playoff semifinal. It adds $250,000 every year, topping out at $12.3 million in 2031.
| 2026 salary | $11.05 million |
| Total value | About $80 million from 2025 through 2031, before bonuses, a Texas record |
| If Texas fires him | 85 percent of the remaining contract, up from 70 percent under his previous deal. About $55 million entering 2026 |
| If he leaves | $3 million before the end of the 2026 season under the terms carried from his original deal |
| Raise schedule | $250,000 a year, compared with $100,000 a year under the 2024 extension |
Year by Year Salary
| Season | Salary |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $10.8 million |
| 2026 | $11.05 million |
| 2027 | $11.3 million |
| 2028 | $11.55 million |
| 2029 | $11.8 million |
| 2030 | $12.05 million |
| 2031 | $12.3 million |
How It Compares
| Coach | School | Annual pay |
|---|---|---|
| Kalen DeBoer | Alabama | $12.5 million |
| Dabo Swinney | Clemson | $11.5 million |
| Steve Sarkisian | Texas | $11.05 million |
Contract terms are from the regents’ approval as reported by ESPN and KXAN, with buyout figures from CBS Sports. The full national list is on our college football coaching salaries page.
The Bottom Line
Steve Sarkisian makes $11.05 million in 2026 on a Texas contract through 2031 worth about $80 million, with $250,000 annual raises to $12.3 million and a buyout of 85 percent of what remains if Texas fires him. Follow the Longhorns on the Texas football schedule, Texas score today and Texas NIL.