The University of Texas has agreed to a six-year contract extension with athletic director Chris Del Conte through 2036.
Per the Houston Chronicle’s Kirk Bohls, the extension will pay Del Conte $2.9 million in its first year in 2029 and escalate to $4.25 million in 2036. The contract requires approval from the university system’s board of regents, per the report.
Del Conte, 57, has served as Texas’ athletic director since being hired in December of 2017, a period of significant transition and progress for the program. He oversaw Texas’ move from the Big 12 to the SEC that took place in 2024. Under Del Conte’s leadership, Texas football has risen to the ranks of national contenders.
Texas hired head football coach Steve Sarkisian ahead of the 2021 season. The Longhorns went 5-7 that year, but have improved to 8-5, 12-2 and 13-3 in the seasons since. It marks the first time that Texas has posted consecutive seasons of 10-plus wins since 2008 and 2009.
Expectations are high for 2025. Texas enters the season ranked No. 1 in the country with projected Heisman Trophy contender Arch Manning at quarterback.
Success beyond football
The men’s basketball program has made the NCAA tournament in each of the last five seasons. The women’s basketball program has advanced to NCAA tournament play in six of the last seven seasons under Del Conte, including a trip to the Final Four in April.
In four of the last six seasons, Texas has won the Director’s Cup, which is awarded to the nation’s most successful overall athletic program. In 2022, Texas completed construction of the Moody Center, the on-campus home of the program’s basketball teams and a frequent host concerts and other shows.
Prior to joining Texas, Del Conte was the athletic director at TCU (2009-17) and Rice (2006-09).
