Steve Sarkisian buyout: Here’s what it would cost to fire the Texas head coach
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Texas coach Steve Sarkisian‘s future is in doubt.
Sarkisian and the Longhorns fell 27-24 to Florida on Saturday afternoon despite holding a double-digit lead in the first half. This is Texas‘s second-straight loss to an unranked opponent — the Longhorns also lost to Oklahoma last week on a last-second field goal in the Red River Rivalry.
Texas is now just 4-2 on the season and is potentially set to miss the College Football Playoff for a second consecutive season. The offense, which is led by Sarkisian and Arch Manning, has fallen outside of the top 100 nationally in yards per play.
These struggles — combined with last year’s failure to make the CFP — have Sarkisian potentially on the hot seat.
Steve Sarkisian buyout details
Of course, firing Sarkisian is easier said than done for Texas’s administration. In 2025, Sarkisian signed a new contract that increased his deal to be worth more than $80 million over 7 years.
Per a UT System Board of Regents summary that outlines Sarkisian’s salary details, he’s set to earn approximately $59 million over the remainder of the deal, which currently runs through the 2031 season.
Inside Texas previously reported that Sarkisian’s pre-2025 contract contained an 85% buyout — meaning Texas would owe Sarkisian roughly $50.15 million. However, it’s unclear if that 85% figure was also part of Sarkisian’s amended contract that he signed in 2025.
Texas would incur other costs as well if it chooses to part ways with Sarkisian. The Longhorns would have to also pay buyouts to Sarkisian’s assistant coaches and pay to hire a new staff for the 2027 season as well.
However, there are other potential factors that could make it more financially palatable to fire Sarkisian. It’s possible he has an offset clause that would require him to look for another job if fired without cause. That would mean any future salary he earns would be offset against what Texas owes him in a buyout. Additionally, contract buyouts are often not paid out in a lump sum, but instead over a period of several years.
Texas will look to get back on track next weekend against Ole Miss.
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Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
