Stakes raised for Steve Sarkisian after massive extension

The deal locations him among the many highest-paid coaches in faculty soccer. Per On3, final season retired Alabama head coach Nick Saban was the game’s highest-paid coach ($11.4 million), adopted by Clemson’s Dabo Swinney ($10.9 million) and Georgia’s Kirby Good ($10.7 million).

If that wasn’t sufficient, Sarkisian additionally will get two vehicles and entry to a personal jet for as much as 20 hours per 12 months. He’ll earn $250,000 with each look within the expanded 12-team School Soccer Playoff, and he’ll obtain an additional quarter-million with every CFP win, as much as $1.25 million with a nationwide championship.

In 2023, Sarkisian led Texas to its first CFP look in program historical past, and it ranked as excessive as No. 3 within the Related Press ballot, its highest rank since 2009. 

The Longhorns completed the 12 months 12-2 after averaging 5.5 losses per season from 2010-22, shedding to the Washington Huskies 37-31 in an exciting CFP semifinal on the Sugar Bowl.

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

Sarkisian stays a feel-good story, however the stakes are larger for him after receiving a large increase and the entire perks that include it.

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

Outdoors of a two-week stretch once they play longtime rival Oklahoma and powerhouse Georgia, the Longhorns’ 2024 convention schedule is favorable, with video games in opposition to Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Florida, Arkansas, Kentucky and Texas A&M.

An early street date at Michigan looms because the this system’s hardest out-of-conference sport, however with the Wolverines shedding their head coach and beginning quarterback, operating again and large receiver this offseason, it would not be shocking if Texas enters as the favourite.

Quarterback Quinn Ewers is returning, and this system added gifted wideouts Silas Bolden and Isaiah Bond within the switch portal whereas operating again Jaydon Blue, who averaged 6.7 yards on 79 touches as a sophomore, is anticipated to take the lead again position from 2024 NFL Draft prospect Jonathan Brooks.

Sarkisian is being paid as if he is already received a nationwide championship, and he has a crew gifted sufficient to contend for one. Together with his contract, he’ll be below immense stress till he does.