Mack Brown Opens Up About the End of His Texas Tenure: “It Was Time”

Mack Brown Opens Up About the End of His Texas Tenure: “It Was Time”

In the world of college football, few names carry the same weight as Mack Brown. The longtime coach, best known for leading the Texas Longhorns to a national championship in 2005, recently made a heartfelt and revealing admission about his final days in Austin. In a candid interview, Brown reflected on his departure from Texas, offering a glimpse into the emotional and professional challenges that marked the end of an era.

Brown, now the head coach at the University of North Carolina, didn’t hold back as he discussed what led to his resignation from Texas in 2013. After 16 seasons with the Longhorns, including a 158–48 record, Brown stepped down amid mounting pressure from fans, boosters, and university officials who felt the program had lost its edge.

“It was time,” Brown admitted. “When you’re at a place like Texas, expectations are through the roof. You’re not just expected to win games — you’re expected to win championships. And when that doesn’t happen consistently, people start to question everything.”

Brown’s career at Texas was largely defined by success. His teams were consistent contenders, and the 2005 season — highlighted by a legendary Rose Bowl victory over USC — cemented his status as one of the game’s greats. But as the years wore on, the Longhorns began to slip. Between 2010 and 2013, Texas posted a 30–21 record, far below the program’s lofty standards.

“I knew the writing was on the wall,” Brown said. “The media pressure, the internal expectations, the fans — it all becomes a storm. And even though I felt like I was still coaching well, sometimes that’s not enough.”

Brown also acknowledged that college football was changing. Recruiting had become more competitive, booster influence was growing, and the demands placed on head coaches had reached a fever pitch.

“I don’t think people realize how much the job evolved,” he said. “It went from being about coaching kids and building a team to managing a billion-dollar brand. At some point, you have to ask yourself if you still want to be part of that.”

For Brown, leaving Texas wasn’t just a professional decision — it was deeply personal. He spoke of the toll the job took on his health, his family, and his identity.

“When you’re at a place for that long, it becomes part of who you are,” he explained. “Stepping away was tough. I felt like I was letting people down. But at the same time, I knew I wasn’t the best man for the job anymore.”

Despite the difficult ending, Brown harbors no bitterness. In fact, he credits his time away from coaching — and eventual return to the sidelines at North Carolina — with restoring his love for the game.

“Leaving Texas gave me the space to breathe again,” he said. “I got to recharge, reconnect with my family, and really think about what I wanted. Coming back to UNC wasn’t about proving anything. It was about doing what I love, in a place that feels like home.”

Today, Mack Brown is remembered fondly by many Texas fans. His national championship run, his role in shaping dozens of NFL careers, and his leadership both on and off the field remain a key part of the Longhorn legacy.

“Mack brought class, integrity, and success to Texas football,” said former quarterback Colt McCoy. “He wasn’t just a great coach — he was a mentor, a father figure, and a leader. We all knew how much he cared about us.”

As Brown continues his second act at UNC, he remains a respected voice in college football — not just for his coaching acumen, but for his honesty, humility, and passion.

“When I look back, I’m proud of what we did at Texas,” Brown said. “Would I have loved to end on a higher note? Sure. But I have no regrets. I gave it everything I had.”And for those who’ve followed his journey, that’s more than enough.