Mack Brown officially resigns as head coach of Texas

After 16 years and one national championship, the Mack Brown era is over. Here's our list of the 11 names to know as Texas' coaching search begins.

By Pete Volk@Pete_Volk Dec 14, 2013, 7:22pm EST

Mack Brown is done at Texas. The head coach resigned on Saturday, according to the Longhorn Network, meaning that perhaps the best job in all of college football is now available. Brown will stay on to coach the Longhorns in the Alamo Bowl against Oregon.

Update: Statements are here.

Mack Brown: "Sally and I were brought to Texas 16 years ago to pull together a football program that was divided. With a lot of passion, hard work and determination from the kids, coaches and staff, we did that. We built a strong football family, reached great heights and accomplished a lot, and for that, I thank everyone. It's been a wonderful ride. Now, the program is again being pulled in different directions, and I think the time is right for a change. I love The University of Texas, all of its supporters, the great fans and everyone that played and coached here. I can't thank DeLoss Dodds enough for bringing our family here, and Bill Powers and the administration for supporting us at a place where I have made lifelong friendships. It is the best coaching job and the premier football program in America. I sincerely want it to get back to the top and that's why I am stepping down after the bowl game. I hope with some new energy, we can get this thing rolling again."
Steve Patterson, Texas Men's Athletics Director "We appreciate everything Mack has done for The University of Texas. He's been a tremendous coach, mentor, leader and ambassador for our university and our student-athletes. He is truly a college football legend. I've had a number of talks with him recently, and he has always said he wanted what was best for The University of Texas. I know this decision weighed heavily on him, and today he told us he's ready to move forward."
William Powers Jr., University of Texas at Austin President "This is a very difficult day for everyone in The University of Texas family. Mack Brown is one of the best football coaches in the country, a tremendous representative of our University, and, most importantly, a great friend. He has produced championship teams with tremendous student-athletes and has always done so with the utmost class and integrity. Mack is just the best and he will be missed. With that said, I'm excited for the future and the opportunity to work with him in a new capacity for the years to come and am thrilled that he and Sally will remain part of our family. He is an unbelievable resource for us and will always be a valuable member of the Longhorn community."

Brown has been the head coach at Texas since 1998, leading the Longhorns to four outright divisional titles and two appearances in the BCS National Championship Game, winning it all with Vince Young in 2005. He had three head coaching gigs before that, posting a 6-5 record at Appalachian State in 1983, an 11-23 mark over three years at Tulane, and a 69-46-1 record at North Carolina from 1988 to 1997.

More: Texas blog Burnt Orange Nation

Must Reads

Inside the Longhorn Network

Steven Godfrey

Steven Godfrey says in September, the LHN discussed the possibility of airing a coach's retirement. Now it's done it. Here's his story on the big, burnt orange network.

Must Reads

Inside the Longhorn Network

Under Brown's leadership, the Longhorns posted nine consecutive double digit-win seasons from 2001 to 2009. At 62, he's unlikely to get another head coaching opportunity, and could instead wind up as a studio analyst. Brown is a two-time Big 12 coach of the year and finishes nine wins shy of Darrell Royal for the most wins in Texas history.

One name continually floated as Brown's rumored replacement is Alabama head coach Nick Saban, winner of the last two BCS National Championships. However, he's already off the table, as he's reportedly signing a long-term deal with the Tide.