Imagine kicking off the season as the undisputed favorite to dominate college football—only to stumble early and leave fans scratching their heads. That's the rollercoaster ride the 2025 Texas Longhorns have been on under Steve Sarkisian, and it's sparking whispers of big changes ahead. But here's where it gets controversial: What if Sarkisian's eyes are wandering to the NFL, and just how steep would the bill be for Texas to part ways? Let's dive into the details, breaking it down step by step so even newcomers to college sports contracts can follow along.
First off, the Longhorns made waves by securing the AP Poll's preseason No. 1 spot, a first for any Texas team. It was a historic moment filled with excitement and promise. Yet, under Sarkisian's leadership, the team hasn't matched that hype, leading to growing discontent in Austin. Just before they hit the road to face Mississippi State, rumors swirled that Sarkisian might be eyeing the NFL—specifically, the open head coaching job with the Tennessee Titans. His agent quickly squashed those talks, but it hinted at potential shifts on both sides as they eye the future.
And this is the part most people miss: Earlier this year, Sarkisian received a salary boost that catapulted him into the elite ranks of the nation's top-paid coaches. Starting from a solid 5-2 record, followed by some challenges against Mississippi State away from home, it's raised eyebrows about the long-term fit. So, if either party wants to exit the deal, what's the real cost? Let's unpack Sarkisian's contract and buyout specifics in a way that's easy to grasp.
Picture a coaching contract like a long-term partnership with built-in protections. Sarkisian's current agreement includes a hefty $10.8 million salary for this season alone, totaling a massive $75.8 million payout through the 2031 season. In his latest renegotiation, not only did his pay increase, but his buyout clause—essentially the penalty for early termination—jumped dramatically from 70% to 85% of his remaining earnings. Think of it as a safeguard that makes firing him incredibly expensive for Texas. At the start of the year, that buyout stood at $64.4 million, and as of December 1, per USA Today's data, it dipped slightly to $60.3 million. If Texas decides to part ways after this season but before 2026, Sarkisian would still be entitled to $55.25 million.
To put that into perspective, this isn't pocket change—it's a huge financial commitment. But interestingly, it's not the biggest buyout Texas has seen. For example, Texas A&M recently shelled out $75 million to let Jimbo Fisher walk away from College Station, showing that Big 12 programs aren't shy about cutting ties when the fit feels off. These figures highlight how college coaching deals are designed to reward loyalty but can become burdensome if performance dips.
Now, turning to Sarkisian's rumored NFL ambitions, it's fascinating (and debatable) to consider the leap. Would an NFL team match his current Texas perks in terms of annual salary or contract length? Probably not—professional football operates on a different scale, with shorter deals and often more competitive pay structures. Plus, his original contract from Texas includes a clause that could cost him $4 million if he bolts before the end of 2025, dropping to $3 million if he leaves before 2027. It's a clever way for Texas to deter jumps to the pros, acting like a 'stay-put' incentive.
Here's where opinions really diverge: Could an NFL franchise justify paying that kind of exit fee on top of hiring a college coach? It seems unlikely, given the risks of transitioning from college to pro ranks—players, strategies, and stakes are worlds apart. On the flip side, Texas would need to pony up one of the largest buyouts ever, but with their deep pockets, they might be one of the few programs capable of it. Is this a smart move for Texas, risking millions to reset with a new coach? Or should Sarkisian stick it out and prove his worth? What do you think—does the potential for a fresh start outweigh the massive cost? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a counterpoint on handling coaching contracts in big-time college football.
