An absolutely abysmal first half by the Longhorns, resulting in a 20-3 lead for the Buckeyes at halftime, had people already discussing where Sarkisian could look for his next job and who should be Texas's next head coach.
But, as everyone knows, it isn't quite that easy.
As one of the most prominent head coaches in all of college football, Sarkisian has unsurprisingly signed a number of extensions since starting his reign at Texas, and that means the lump sum the Horns would have to pay for his buyout is astronomical.
Steve Sarkisian buyout, contractual obligations, and more
After falling short in the 2025 season and another year getting checked off his contract, Sarkisian's buyout dropped from roughly $60.3 million to nearly half that price:
- Buyout (2026): $36.5 million
- Contractual obligation (if he resigns): $3 million
- Annual salary: $12.3 million
It isn't time to put Steve Sarkisian's head on the chopping block quite yet, but the Texas Longhorns' head coach clearly has a major problem when it comes to getting over the biggest roadblocks that have popped up during his tenure on the 40 Acres.
Three straight losses to the Georgia Bulldogs, two straight losses to the Ohio State Buckeyes, and consecutive failed attempts to reach the National Championship despite playing in the College Football Playoff semifinals were undeniable stains on Sark's resume.
Because of those failed attempts to launch, people have had an eye on Sarkisian at seemingly every turn, and that continued in Week 2 of the 2026 season.
He was finally set up for his chance at redemption and revenge. The No. 4 Longhorns were hosting the No. 1 Buckeyes, and it was all pointing toward Texas finally being able to best Ohio State... until the game started.
After 2026, Sarkisian's buyout price would continue to drop, with it finally dropping below eight figures if he's still at Texas in 2029...
Steve Sarkisian buyout reductions for Texas 2026-29
- 2026: $36.5 million
- 2027: $27.5 million
- 2028: $18.4 million
- 2029: $9.2 million
With the buyout dropping by approximately $9.1 million per year, it would become financially easier for the Longhorns to part ways with their head coach as time goes on. However, for right now, don't expect Texas to pass $36.5 million in his direction because he lost to the No. 1 team in the nation.
Of course, the Ohio State matchup was only the second game of the season, and there is still a long road ahead of Sark and the Horns, but it should come as no surprise if you start to hear more and more about people's unhappiness with Sarkisian.
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