Brown Resigns From Texas
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Mack Brown’s 16-year run as Texas coach will end after the Longhorns play their bowl game later this month.
Brown announced through the university on Saturday night that he is resigning after the Dec. 30 Valero Alamo Bowl game in San Antonio against Oregon (10-2).
“Sally and I were brought to Texas 16 years ago to pull together a football program that was divided. With a lot of passion, hard work and determination from the kids, coaches and staff, we did that,” Brown said in a statement. “We built a strong football family, reached great heights and accomplished a lot, and for that, I thank everyone. It’s been a wonderful ride.
“Now, the program is again being pulled in different directions, and I think the time is right for a change. I love the University of Texas, all of its supporters, the great fans and everyone that played and coached here.”
On Friday, reports indicated that Brown would be back for one more season
in 2014 after speculation swirled for the past few weeks that he might be out after this year. But Brown told the team on Saturday that he was leaving, according to the Longhorn Network.
“We appreciate everything Mack has done for The University of Texas. He’s been a tremendous coach, mentor, leader and ambassador for our university and our student-athletes. He is truly a college football legend,” Texas athletic director Steve Patterson said. “I’ve had a number of talks with him recently, and he has always said he wanted what was best for the University of Texas. I know this decision weighed heavily on him, and today he told us he’s ready to move forward.”
Alabama coach Nick Saban was mentioned as a potential replacement, but he shot down the rumors that he might bolt for Texas when he announced Friday night that he’s staying with the Crimson Tide after receiving an enhanced contract.
During Brown’s 16 seasons at Texas, he won one national title, took the Longhorns to two BCS national championship games, claimed two Big 12 titles and posted a 158-47 record. He is nine wins short of the legendary Darryl Royal for the most in school history by a coach.
The Longhorns have struggled the past four seasons to a 30-20 record, including an 18-17 mark in the Big 12, and Brown faced increasing scrutiny as Texas’ fortunes declined. But he gave no indication at a football banquet on Friday night of his plans to leave.
Texas (8-4) started the 2013 season with a 1-2 record but rebounded to go 6-0 in the Big 12 and had a chance to win the conference title before losing two of its final three regular-season games.
“This is a very difficult day for everyone in the University of Texas family,” university president William Powers Jr. said. “Mack Brown is one of the best football coaches in the country, a tremendous representative of our university, and, most importantly, a great friend. He has produced championship teams with tremendous student-athletes and has always done so with the utmost class and integrity. Mack is just the best and he will be missed. “
Brown, 62, makes approximately $5.4 million and is under contract until 2020.
