On the same day Alabama introduced Kalen DeBoer as its new coach, Texas announced a contract extension for Steve Sarkisian.

Sarkisian, who started in Texas in January 2021, just completed the third year of a six-year contract. The four-year extension takes it to 2030.

“I said it when I came here three years ago, this is a dream job for me,” Sarkisian said in a statement. “It’s a destination job, and I’m fired up every day to be the head coach at The University of Texas. We’re thrilled with what we’ve been able to accomplish and proud of the culture we’ve built and the way our players have grown — on and off the field. But we’re just getting started.

“I’ve said it all along, we’ve been building this program for long term success. We’re here to chase greatness, win championships, and be one of the best in the nation year in and year out. And we’re so lucky to have an awesome group of players, a great staff, an unbelievably supportive administration, and the power of Longhorn Nation behind us to help us do that. I can’t thank CDC, President Hartzell and Chairman Eltife enough for their commitment to our mission from day one, and I’m grateful for their continued support.”

Sarkisian led the Horns to a 12-2 record, their first Big 12 Championship since 2009, and a first-ever College Football Playoff appearance last season. The 12 victories on the year marked just the fourth 12 or more-win season in school history (2005, 2008, 2009, 2023). That included seven-straight wins heading into the CFP, UT’s longest winning streak since 2009-10.

In 2023, Texas defeated four teams that finished the year in the top-25 (Alabama, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Kansas), including knocking off No. 5 Alabama in Tuscaloosa (34-24) — snapping a 21-game Crimson Tide home winning streak (43-straight game home winning streak versus non-conference opponents).

The Horns also faced 10 teams that played in bowl games last season. 

“As we head into the SEC next year, we’re doing that with a great deal of momentum, a program we’re extremely proud of and with a great head coach and leader,” Texas AD Chris Del Conte said in a statement. “We knew that Coach Sarkisian was the man for the job when we hired him, and he’s proven that each step of the way. We couldn’t be more excited about where we are and where we’re headed, and we’re thrilled that Coach Sark will be our coach for a long time.”

Sarkisian heads into year four with a 25-14 record Texas that includes a 20-7 mark the past two seasons. Texas’ eight wins in Big 12 regular season action last season were the most since 2009. In 10 years as a head coach, he is 71-49, which includes seven bowl bids.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.