Stakes raised for Steve Sarkisian at Texas after receiving massive contract extension

The deal places him among the highest-paid coaches in college football. Per On3, last season retired Alabama head coach Nick Saban was the sport's highest-paid coach ($11.4 million), followed by Clemson's Dabo Swinney ($10.9 million) and Georgia's Kirby Smart ($10.7 million).

If that wasn't enough, Sarkisian also gets two cars and access to a private jet for up to 20 hours per year. He'll earn $250,000 with every appearance in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, and he'll receive an extra quarter-million with each CFP win, up to $1.25 million with a national championship.

In 2023, Sarkisian led Texas to its first CFP appearance in program history, and it ranked as high as No. 3 in the Associated Press poll, its highest rank since 2009. 

The Longhorns finished the year 12-2 after averaging 5.5 losses per season from 2010-22, losing to the Washington Huskies 37-31 in a thrilling CFP semifinal at the Sugar Bowl.

Their return to prominence under Sarkisian, who overcame an alcohol addiction that ended his tenure at USC prematurely, made them easy to root for last season.

Sarkisian remains a feel-good story, but the stakes are higher for him after receiving a sizable raise and all of the perks that come with it.

Per ESPN Bet, Texas (+800) has the third-shortest odds of winning the national championship this upcoming season, its first as an SEC member. 

Outside of a two-week stretch when they play longtime rival Oklahoma and powerhouse Georgia, the Longhorns' 2024 conference schedule is favorable, with games against Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Florida, Arkansas, Kentucky and Texas A&M.

An early road date at Michigan looms as the the program's toughest out-of-conference game, but with the Wolverines losing their head coach and starting quarterback, running back and wide receiver this offseason, it wouldn't be surprising if Texas enters as the favorite.

Quarterback Quinn Ewers is returning, and the program added talented wideouts Silas Bolden and Isaiah Bond in the transfer portal while running back Jaydon Blue, who averaged 6.7 yards on 79 touches as a sophomore, is expected to take the lead back role from 2024 NFL Draft prospect Jonathan Brooks.

Sarkisian is being paid as though he's already won a national championship, and he has a team talented enough to contend for one. With his contract, he'll be under immense pressure until he does.