Report says regent talked to Nick Saban’s agent about Texas job

As if Mack Brown didn’t have enough on his mind. . . .

Texas’ beleagured coach, who is trying to save a season and maybe his job after a 1-2 start, can add a new worry to his list: Texas might already be looking to replace him.

The Associated Press has reported that a regent for Texas reached out last January to see if Nick Saban might be interested in the Texas football job.

The AP reports a regent, Steve Hicks, and a former regent, Steve’s brother Tom, spoke with Saban’s agent about the possibility.

Tom Hicks then reportedly met with Brown to ask him if he was ready to retire. Brown said no, and the matter was dropped.

Speculation about Brown’s job, though, has escalated after consecutive losses to Brigham Young and Mississippi.

Brown, who led Texas to the 2005 BCS national title and lost to Saban’s Crimson Tide in the 2009 championship game, is under contract through 2020 and is making $5.4 million this season.

Brown is in his 16th season at Texas.

It is unlikely Saban, who makes $5.6 million per year, would leave Tuscaloosa. But Texas, one of the country’s richest football schools, could certainly afford him.

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