BREAKING NEWS: Coach Steve Sarkisian Declines Texas Longhorns 7-Year Deal as He Agrees to Take NFL Extension
January 22, 2025
In a stunning turn of events, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has announced that he has turned down a lucrative 7-year contract extension from the University of Texas, opting instead to accept an offer from the NFL. The announcement has rocked the college football world, raising questions about the future of the Longhorns’ football program and the broader dynamics of the sport.
Sources confirm that Texas had offered Sarkisian a substantial deal worth $7 million per year in an attempt to secure his future with the Longhorns, but the coach, after careful consideration, decided that the NFL presented the right opportunity for the next phase of his career. Though the specific NFL team that extended the offer has not been disclosed, reports suggest it was a highly competitive deal that would see Sarkisian step into a head coaching role at the professional level.
Sarkisian, who has been with Texas since 2021, took the Longhorns to new heights with a series of strong recruiting classes and a competitive season in 2024 that saw the team return to the College Football Playoff discussion. His leadership of Texas’ offense, particularly with standout quarterback Quinn Ewers, had many predicting a potential national title run for the Longhorns within the next few seasons.
In a statement released earlier today, Sarkisian addressed the decision, expressing gratitude for his time at Texas and excitement about the new challenge ahead.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the University of Texas, the administration, and especially the fans for the incredible support over the past few years,” said Sarkisian. “The decision to leave college football and head to the NFL was not an easy one, but it’s a move I feel is best for my career. The opportunity to lead at the highest level and compete against the best players in the world is a dream that every coach aspires to. I am excited for the new chapter ahead and look forward to the challenge.”
The news has sent shockwaves through both the college football and NFL communities, with many wondering what this means for both the Longhorns and Sarkisian’s legacy.
What Does This Mean for Texas?
Texas’ decision to pursue Sarkisian’s services on a long-term basis had been seen as a signal of confidence in the coach’s ability to restore the program to national prominence after years of underperformance. Sarkisian’s tenure was marked by improvement, especially on the offensive side of the ball, and he appeared to be the right man to lead the Longhorns into the SEC in the coming seasons.
The abrupt departure leaves Texas in an unexpected situation, with many questioning where the program will go next. Athletic Director Chris Del Conte, who had been instrumental in securing the extension offer to Sarkisian, will now have to scramble to find a suitable replacement. While assistant coach Tashard Choice is expected to take over on an interim basis, fans and analysts alike are wondering if Texas will be able to attract a coach of Sarkisian’s caliber with the SEC move looming.
The NFL Opportunity
On the NFL side, the decision is being viewed as a bold move for Sarkisian, who had been linked to several NFL teams in recent seasons due to his success as an offensive mind. It’s unclear which team offered Sarkisian the head coaching position, but multiple teams are reportedly in the process of reshuffling their coaching staffs, leaving the door open for Sarkisian to step in.
For many, the move marks the end of a remarkable college coaching tenure and the beginning of a new era for Sarkisian, who has often been praised for his offensive ingenuity and ability to develop quarterbacks. While questions remain about how his approach will translate to the NFL, many are excited to see what he can accomplish at the professional level.
As both Texas and Sarkisian turn the page on this unexpected chapter, the future of both college and NFL football is sure to be impacted by this high-profile decision. Fans across the country will be watching closely to see what happens next for one of the most talked-about coaches in football.