Texas Athletic Director Steve Patterson Fired Amid Turmoil in University Athletics

Strategic Insights -

Texas athletic director Steve Patterson, who oversaw major changes in the school's athletics program, including the firing of football coach Mack Brown, has been let go by the university after less than two years on the job. Patterson was a hire aimed at calming the stormy waters of Texas athletics, but his tenure was marked by controversy and criticism from fans and donors. His departure comes as the university seeks a new athletic director, while also navigating the challenges of expanding the Big 12 conference and securing a lucrative new apparel contract with Nike.

Key Takeaways:

  • Patterson was hired in November 2013 to succeed DeLoss Dodds, a powerful figure who retired in October 2013. He was chosen over former West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck, who was considered the favorite for the job.
  • Patterson's tenure was marked by controversy, including the firing of football coach Mack Brown, basketball coach Rick Barnes, and school President Bill Powers. He was also criticized for raising ticket prices after a losing football season and pushing coaches to raise money for endowed scholarships.
  • Patterson was responsible for hiring football coach Charlie Strong and basketball coach Shaka Smart, but struggled to connect with university officials and supporters in the same way as Dodds. His actions raised questions about whether he connected with his coaches.
  • The university will hire former Texas football player Mike Perrin, a Houston attorney, as interim athletic director on a $750,000 contract through August 2016.
  • Patterson has a guaranteed contract through August 2019 that pays at least $1.4 million per year.

Statistics:

  • Patterson was in his 22nd month of tenure when he was fired.
  • The university has a lucrative new apparel contract with Nike, which expires in 2016. Nike recently partnered with Michigan in a deal worth $169 million.
  • Texas is seeking to expand the Big 12 conference from 10 to 12 members, in an effort to strengthen its position in the new College Football Playoff.
  • The university will hire an interim athletic director for the first time in over 20 years.
  • Patterson's firing comes as the university navigates several high-profile changes, including the hiring of a new athletics director and the search for a new athletic director.

Sources:

  • Associated Press: "Texas athletic director Steve Patterson fired after 22 months on job"
  • ESPN: "Patterson to leave Texas after 22 months"
  • Austin American-Statesman: "University of Texas athletic director Steve Patterson resigns, effective immediately"