The contract originates in the state of Texas, and the deal is a big one.

In those two ways, the contracts for Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian and former Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher are similar. Maybe it's true that everything is just bigger in Texas – even the paychecks. Sarkisian's salary now jumps to $10.3 million, while Fisher enjoys his record-breaking $77 million buyout.

Peel back the layers, though, and you'll see several arguments against Sarkisian being a Fisher 2.0. 

On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Nick Kelly weigh in on Sarkisian's payday and why it makes sense for Texas. The Longhorns are betting Sarkisian's elevator is still going up. There's evidence to support that.

Later in the episode, a status update on the situation at Alabama, where Kalen DeBoer prepares for his first spring practice in the SEC. The hosts identify the three biggest questions facing Alabama in 2024.

Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

The contract originates in the state of Texas, and the deal is a big one.
In those two ways, the contracts for <a href="https://www.statesman.com/story/sports/college/longhorns/football/2024/02/22/steve-sarkisian-contract-extension-texas-football-board-of-regents-is-approved-among-highest-salary/72687373007/" aria-label="Link Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian">Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian</a> and former Texas A&amp;M coach Jimbo Fisher are similar. Maybe it's true that everything is just bigger in Texas – <a href="https://www.statesman.com/story/sports/college/longhorns/football/2024/02/22/texas-football-coach-steve-sarkisian-new-contract-10-3-million-was-right-choice-for-longhorns/72691221007/" aria-label="Link even the paychecks">even the paychecks</a>. Sarkisian's salary now jumps to <a href="https://www.statesman.com/story/sports/college/longhorns/football/2024/02/17/salary-figures-released-for-steve-sarkisians-new-texas-contract/72640994007/" aria-label="Link $10.3 million">$10.3 million</a>, while Fisher enjoys his record-breaking $77 million buyout.
Peel back the layers, though, and you'll see several arguments against Sarkisian being a Fisher 2.0. 
On today's episode, hosts <a href="https://twitter.com/btoppmeyer" aria-label="Link Blake Toppmeyer">Blake Toppmeyer</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/_NickKelly" aria-label="Link Nick Kelly">Nick Kelly</a> weigh in on Sarkisian's payday and why it makes sense for Texas. The Longhorns are betting Sarkisian's elevator is still going up. There's evidence to support that.
Later in the episode, a status update on the situation at Alabama, where <a href="https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/sports/college/football/2024/02/20/alabama-football-kalen-deboer-offense-nick-sheridan-jamarcus-shephard-offensive-coordinator/72668697007/" aria-label="Link Kalen DeBoer prepares for his first spring practice in the SEC">Kalen DeBoer prepares for his first spring practice in the SEC</a>. The hosts identify the three biggest questions facing Alabama in 2024.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.

SEC Football Unfiltered features hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the USA TODAY Network serving opinion, debate and analysis on trending college football topics within the Southeastern Conference. No subject is off limits, and no one is above rebuke. Take off the filter and revel in the banter.

SEC Football Unfiltered features hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the USA TODAY Network serving opinion, debate and analysis on trending college football topics within the Southeastern Conference. No subject is off limits, and no one is above rebuke. Take off the filter and revel in the banter.

Advertisement