Mack Brown resigns as Texas football coach

Texas announced Saturday that Mack Brown will resign as football coach after the Longhorns play Oregon in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 30, with an accompanying statement from the 16-year coach saying he felt the “time is right for a change.”

The university posted the announcement on its website, along with statements from the athletic director and university president. There were cryptic references to Brown and his wife, Sally, remaining a part of the university and football program.

University President William Powers Jr. said in his statement that he’s “excited for the future and the opportunity to work with [Brown] in a new capacity for the years to come.”

Brown’s new role after his resignation was not specified.

“Sally and I were brought to Texas 16 years ago to pull together a football program that was divided,” Brown’s statement started. “With a lot of passion, hard work and determination from the kids, coaches and staff, we did that. ...

“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.”

Brown, 62, compiled a record of 158-47 at Texas and led the Longhorns to the 2005 national championship. He ranks second at the school in career victories, but Texas had gone 30-20 in his last four seasons, including 19-17 in Big 12 Conference play.

The school scheduled a news conference for 1 p.m. Sunday.

“We appreciate everything Mack has done for the University of Texas,” Athletic Director Steve Patterson said in his statement. “He’s been a tremendous coach, mentor, leader and ambassador for our university and our student-athletes. He is truly a college football legend.

“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.”

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