Texas tabs Mike Perrin as athletic director

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) University of Texas President Greg Fenves announced Thursday he's taking the ''interim' tag off men's athletics director Mike Perrin and extending his contract by two years into 2018.

Perrin, an attorney and former Longhorns football player, was hired in September after Steve Patterson was forced out after less than two years.

Perrin was initially hired on a one-year contract of $750,000. According to Fenves' office, Perrin's salary will remain the same and he will be an ''at will'' employee without a formal contract.

Patterson had a guaranteed contract worth at least $1.4 million per year, which forced a settlement worth $3 million from Texas when he resigned under pressure.

A Fenves spokesman said the president has the discretion to make the move and it will not require approval from the university's Board of Regents.

''Since Mike became interim AD, he has proved to be a resourceful and valuable asset to the athletics department, improving relationships with our fans and alumni,'' Fenves said.

Since Perrin's arrival, Texas has reached a new $250 million apparel and licensing contract with Nike, and announced it would not raise football season ticket prices for two years. Perrin has also voiced strong support for head football coach Charlie Strong, who is 10-14 in two seasons heading into Saturday's game at No. 12 Baylor.

''I am already working closely with coaches in all sports to provide the support they need to win on the field and prepare their students for life off the field,'' Perrin said.