The Texas Longhorns hired Mark Stoops as special assistant to head coach Steve Sarkisian, according to Horns247’s Chip Brown. Stoops will collect $6.75 million from Kentucky after his November firing following a 5-7 season.
The former Kentucky head coach’s Texas salary wasn’t disclosed.
Brown reports the Longhorns are targeting the 2026 College Football Playoff with a massive financial commitment. The roster requires a $40 million investment while coaching staff payouts reach $25-30 million.
“Sources told Horns247 the commitment by Texas to bring in so much expertise in the role of analysts as well as the hiring of Mark Stoops as a special assistant are the latest examples of how the Longhorns are going all in to make a run for the College Football Playoff in 2026.”
Stoops brings defensive expertise to Austin. He’s worked with safeties and defensive backs throughout his career.
The veteran coach will assist first-year defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. The secondary room includes Derek Williams Jr., Xavier Filsaime, Jelani McDonald, Jonah Williams, Zelus Hicks, and Toray Davis.
Historic Investment Creates Championship Pressure
Texas can’t afford to waste its record spending on Arch Manning and Cam Coleman. Manning represents the most expensive player in NIL and revenue-sharing history.
Coleman received substantial compensation to leave Auburn and his hometown for Texas.
Those two signings alone outpace many Power 4 rosters in total value.
The Longhorns also added Colin Simmons, Ryan Wingo, and Justus Terry. Their depth chart features players who’d start at most programs.
This historic investment could become a historic failure without on-field results. Making the College Football Playoff isn’t just a goal in Austin — it’s a financial necessity given the unprecedented spending on talent and coaching staff.
The pressure is mounting for Sarkisian’s program to deliver championships that justify the the massive financial commitment.
