The University of Texas has parted ways with Athletic Director Steve Patterson less than two years after he was hired. For many, it couldn’t have come soon enough.
"This is a guy who really created a lot of mistrust and created a lot of tension at Texas very quickly with his management style," said ESPN reporter Max Olson (video via ESPN)
Patterson developed a reputation of putting money above all else, something that didn’t sit well with fans and donors.
The former NBA exec incurred blowback over decisions to cut free meals for coaches, raise football ticket prices after a disappointing season, and charge a visiting marching band money to attend a Longhorns game. (Video via Longhorn Network)
But not every decision Patterson made was met with criticism. He made two major coaching hires in his short tenure.
Charlie Strong was brought in to take over the Longhorns football program in 2014. He also wooed Shaka Smart to take over the men's basketball program last spring. Both hires were widely applauded by Texas fans. (Videos via KTBC, CBS Sports)
It’s tough to forecast what will change about Texas sports with Patterson's exit, but one issue that's important to fans is the rivalry with Texas A&M.
The Longhorns and Aggies used to meet on the gridiron every year around Thanksgiving, but after A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC three years ago, the rivalry was put on hold. And Patterson didn’t seem too keen on bringing it back to life.
“Until there’s a case made that makes sense to play another game against another school in the state of Texas … I don’t see us really focusing on that,” Patterson said last year. (Video via Austin American-Statesman)
Around the same time, Patterson speculated about playing Texas football games in Mexico City or even Dubai to help build Texas' international brand.
Distaste for Patterson grew so heated, a plane was seen flying over the Longhorns' home opener last week with a banner reading “Patterson Must Go." It looks like whoever was behind it is getting his wish.
This video includes images from Getty Images and music from Bensound / CC BY ND 3.0.
