MACK BROWN RETURNS TO THE FOLD: FORMER TEXAS LONGHORNS LEGEND APPOINTED AS CONSULTANT TO ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
MACK BROWN RETURNS TO THE FOLD: FORMER TEXAS LONGHORNS LEGEND APPOINTED AS CONSULTANT TO ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
MACK BROWN RETURNS TO THE FOLD: FORMER TEXAS LONGHORNS LEGEND APPOINTED AS CONSULTANT TO ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
A Legendary Reunion on the Forty Acres
Austin, TX — In a move that has electrified the Texas Longhorns fanbase and rekindled the spirit of a golden era, the University of Texas has officially appointed former head football coach Mack Brown as a senior consultant to the athletic department. The decision marks a powerful reunion between one of the most iconic figures in Longhorns history and the institution where he forged a legacy that transformed Texas football for generations.
Mack Brown, who coached the Longhorns from 1998 to 2013, winning a national championship in 2005 and compiling a 158–48 record during his tenure, will now lend his wisdom, leadership, and football acumen in an advisory capacity. His appointment comes at a time when Texas is preparing for a transformative era—transitioning fully into the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and bolstering its national profile across all athletic fronts.
Strategic Role: Consultant for Football and Beyond
Brown’s role as consultant will not be confined solely to football. According to a press release from Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte, Mack Brown will serve as a strategic advisor across multiple programs, with a primary focus on the football program and leadership development initiatives across the athletic department.
“Mack Brown is a visionary leader and one of the finest minds in college athletics,” Del Conte said. “His return as a consultant strengthens our commitment to excellence, and his voice will be vital as we continue to elevate Texas Athletics on and off the field.”
Brown will also act as a liaison to alumni and donors, participate in high-level staff retreats, and mentor both coaches and student-athletes in leadership, communication, and culture-building strategies.
Returning at a Critical Juncture
Brown’s appointment comes as the Longhorns enter a pivotal phase in their football program’s history. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas has re-established itself as a national contender, having reached the College Football Playoff in the 2024 season and preparing for its first full season in the SEC in fall 2025.
Mack Brown’s institutional knowledge and experience navigating the pressures of high-stakes college football will be an invaluable resource. Having built a national champion from the ground up, Brown understands the unique cultural, political, and structural demands of leading the Longhorns.
Voices from the Program: Welcome Back, Coach
The announcement was met with widespread enthusiasm from Longhorn Nation, including heartfelt words from current head coach Steve Sarkisian.
“Coach Brown is a legend. To have someone like him in the building—even in an advisory capacity—is a game changer,” Sarkisian said. “His insight will be huge for me, for our players, and for everyone who wants to see Texas back on top. He understands what it means to win here. He’s done it.”
Senior quarterback Arch Manning, expected to be a Heisman contender in the upcoming season, expressed excitement about meeting Brown.
“I grew up watching Mack Brown’s teams dominate. It’s surreal to know he’ll be around. Just to pick his brain and hear his stories is going to be awesome.”
A Storied Career Returns Home
Mack Brown’s coaching journey is among the most decorated in modern college football history. After successful stints at Tulane and North Carolina, Brown arrived at Texas in 1998. He led the Longhorns to 10-win seasons in nine out of his first 11 years, culminating in the unforgettable 2005 season when Vince Young led Texas to a national title in a legendary Rose Bowl win over USC.
After resigning in 2013, Brown transitioned to broadcasting with ESPN before returning to coaching at North Carolina in 2019. In six seasons with the Tar Heels during his second stint, Brown rejuvenated the program, leading them to an Orange Bowl and producing NFL talent.
Now, at age 73, Brown returns to Austin not to coach, but to guide.
What Mack Brown Will Do: Defined Areas of Influence
The athletic department released a detailed outline of Mack Brown’s responsibilities as a consultant. His duties will include:
1. Football Program Evaluation and Support
- Weekly consultations with Coach Sarkisian and key staff.
- Reviewing game tape and strategic decisions.
- Assisting with player leadership development and mental preparation.
2. Mentorship Across Sports
- Quarterly workshops with coaches from other sports, sharing leadership lessons and motivational frameworks.
- Creating a “Legacy Leadership Curriculum” for student-athletes.
3. Alumni and Donor Engagement
- Headlining fundraising galas and donor events.
- Visiting regional alumni chapters nationwide to represent the program.
4. SEC Transition Strategy
- Advising on the cultural and operational shifts required to compete consistently in the SEC.
- Serving as a Texas representative at SEC summits and media days.
Building for the Future: Culture and Continuity
Mack Brown’s role is not just about tapping into his past, but preparing Texas for the future. His influence will shape the culture, continuity, and character of Texas Athletics. With a new generation of Longhorns rising to prominence, Brown’s experience will act as a bridge between the legacy of the 2000s and the ambition of the 2020s.
Del Conte emphasized the long-term vision behind the move.
“This isn’t a short-term hire. This is about preserving and enhancing the culture that Mack Brown helped build—and aligning that legacy with our future.”
Fan and Media Reactions: A Resounding Celebration
Within hours of the announcement, #WelcomeBackMack trended across social media platforms. Longhorns fans, former players, and national analysts all chimed in.
Colt McCoy, former Texas quarterback and longtime NFL veteran, tweeted:
“No one knows Texas Football like Mack Brown. Love this move. He’s a mentor, a motivator, and a legend.”
Kirk Herbstreit of ESPN said on “College GameDay”:
“This is an incredibly smart move by Texas. Mack Brown is football royalty in Austin. It sends a powerful message about continuity and vision.”
Conclusion: A Homecoming That Transcends Football
Mack Brown’s return to Texas as a consultant is more than a professional appointment—it’s a symbolic gesture of unity between past triumphs and future aspirations. In a college sports landscape constantly changing due to NIL, transfer portals, and conference realignment, the presence of a steady hand like Mack Brown provides reassurance, legacy, and guidance.
His fingerprints are already embedded in the walls of Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. Now, once again, his voice will echo through the halls of the Texas Athletics complex—not as a coach, but as a compass.
Final Words from Mack Brown
In a heartfelt press conference, Brown himself addressed the media and Longhorn Nation.
“This place has always been home. I’m not here to coach, but to support. I want to help Steve, help the kids, and help Texas be the very best version of itself. The fire still burns. And now, I get to give back to the place that gave me everything.”
Hook ’Em Horns. Mack Brown is back.
