Texas parts ways with athletic director Steve Patterson
The University of Texas has parted ways with athletic director Steve Patterson, school president Greg Fenves told reporters.
Patterson released a resignation statement Tuesday, though Fenves called it a “mutually agreed upon decision.” The Austin American-Statesman first reported the news, which a source confirmed to Sports Illustrated’s Pete Thamel.
Texas president Gregory Fenves has reportedly received a number of complaints about Patterson since being named school president in June. The complaints have named a lack of transparency in both handling football season-ticket holders and financing a new tennis facility, as well as poor outreach to donors and failed communication with Patterson’s own department employees. On Tuesday night, Fenves said Texas is “concerned about our fans and how they view the program.”
The Statesman reported that a significant factor in Patterson’s firing was the lack of trust the Texas coaches placed in him. Football coach Charlie Strong, basketball coach Shaka Smart and baseball coach Augie Garrido all report directly to associate athletic director Arthur Johnson rather than Patterson.
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Patterson was named Texas athletic director in November 2013, and has a guaranteed contract that extends through August 2019 and is worth $1.4 million annually. The contract does not have a buyout clause, which means the university must pay the remaining balance.
Patterson previously served as athletic director at Arizona State and as president and general manager of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers.
Former Texas linebacker Mike Perrin will be named the interim athletic director, Fenves said.
- Erin Flynn
