Early hours of today a verified reports indicating that the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has issued a response to the Texas Longhorns football program regarding an underpayment dispute or the potential departure of head coach Steve Sarkisian. While the Longhorns have been involved in various high-profile incidents since joining the SEC, none have been related to financial disputes or issues of compensation for the coaching staff.
The most significant SEC-related controversy involving Texas in recent months was the October 2024 incident during a game against Georgia. Texas fans, frustrated by a controversial pass interference call, threw objects onto the field, leading to a $250,000 fine from the SEC. In response, Sarkisian called for better fan behavior and emphasized maintaining a strong home-field advantage without resorting to disruptive conduct. Actor Matthew McConaughey, a well-known Texas supporter, also addressed the issue publicly, reinforcing the need for Longhorns fans to represent the program in a positive manner.
Additionally, during the December 2024 SEC Championship Game, Sarkisian expressed frustration with officiating. At halftime, he commented on what he perceived as inconsistent penalty calls, particularly regarding holding infractions against their opponents. While this drew attention from analysts and fans, it did not result in any official action from the SEC beyond standard media discussions.
Regarding financial matters, Texas is one of the most well-funded programs in college football, with strong NIL support and significant revenue from ticket sales, television deals, and booster contributions. If an underpayment issue were to arise, it would likely be related to assistant coaches, analysts, or NIL collectives rather than the head coach himself. Sarkisian, who signed a six-year, $34.2 million contract extension in 2023, remains one of the highest-paid coaches in the country.
At this time, there is no credible information supporting claims of an underpayment controversy or Sarkisian’s departure due to financial reasons. Any such speculation should be verified through official university statements or reputable sports news sources.
