In a move that electrified the college football world and sent waves of nostalgia and optimism throughout the Forty Acres, the University of Texas has officially announced the return of Hall of Fame coach Mack Brown to the Longhorns program. But this time, he won’t be donning a headset on the sidelines. Instead, Brown will serve as Senior Advisor to Athletic Director Chris Del Conte and head coach Steve Sarkisian, providing strategic insight, program oversight, and critical leadership as Texas embarks on a new chapter in the SEC.
The announcement comes at a pivotal time for the Longhorns, who are preparing to begin their full-time competition in the Southeastern Conference this fall. With elevated expectations, increased media scrutiny, and a battlefield of elite programs waiting, the pressure is immense. Bringing back Mack Brown, the man who led Texas to its last national championship and cultivated a culture of excellence for over a decade, is not just symbolic—it’s strategic.
Brown’s return is a full-circle moment, not just for Texas fans, but for Brown himself. “This program means everything to me,” Brown said during the official press conference. “Coming back in this role isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about doing everything I can to help Texas succeed at the highest level as we enter the SEC. The standard here is national championships. That hasn’t changed.”
Indeed, Brown’s legacy is one of high standards. During his original tenure from 1998 to 2013, Brown led Texas to 158 wins, a BCS National Championship in 2005, two Big 12 titles, and nine straight seasons with at least 10 wins. He coached some of the most iconic players in program history, including Vince Young, Colt McCoy, Ricky Williams, and Earl Thomas. Under Brown, Texas became synonymous with consistency, class, and competitiveness.
But after a few declining seasons, Brown stepped down in 2013. Many fans wondered if the game had passed him by. Those doubts were obliterated when he returned to coaching in 2019 at North Carolina, where he resurrected a stagnant program and turned it into a consistent bowl team, even producing a Heisman finalist in quarterback Sam Howell. His five-year run with the Tar Heels reminded the world that Mack Brown could still coach—and more importantly, that he still had a sharp football mind and the ability to connect with young athletes.
Now, in this advisory role, Brown won’t be responsible for calling plays or recruiting full-time. Instead, his focus will be macro-level: guiding the program through the monumental transition from the Big 12 to the SEC, advising on personnel decisions, shaping culture, and serving as a trusted voice in the ears of Sarkisian and Del Conte. It’s a role tailor-made for someone with his experience, influence, and love for the university.
For Steve Sarkisian, having Brown on staff is a welcome addition. “Coach Brown is someone I’ve admired for years,” Sarkisian said. “He understands this university, the weight of the burnt orange, and what it means to win at the highest level. I’m excited to lean on him, learn from him, and bring his wisdom into our locker room as we get ready for this next era.”
It’s an era filled with excitement and danger. The SEC is the most unforgiving conference in college football. With blue-blood programs like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Florida, there’s no margin for error. The Longhorns’ 2023 campaign, which saw them reach the College Football Playoff, was a sign that Sarkisian’s rebuild is on the right track. But sustaining success in the SEC is a different animal altogether. That’s where Brown’s presence could be most valuable—offering insights on managing pressure, sustaining culture, and winning big games.
Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte emphasized the broader vision. “This is about more than football,” Del Conte said. “It’s about identity. Mack helped build Texas Football into what it is today. Having him here to shepherd our transition to the SEC ensures that we don’t just enter—we compete. He’s a sounding board, a mentor, and a Longhorn through and through.”
Brown’s role will also include meeting with alumni, boosters, and donors—an area where he has long thrived. His charisma, authenticity, and warmth make him an ideal ambassador for the program during this transformative period. “Mack’s ability to connect with people is unmatched,” said former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. “He’s the kind of guy who makes you believe. Having him back in the building means everything to those of us who played for him. He’s a legend for a reason.”
While his presence will no doubt spark nostalgia, Brown has made it clear that he’s not back just to reminisce. “This isn’t about the past,” he said. “It’s about the future. Texas has what it takes to dominate the SEC. My job is to help Sark and these players avoid the mistakes we made, build on what we’ve learned, and maximize our potential.”
For current players, having a College Football Hall of Famer around is already making an impact. Quarterback Arch Manning, a rising sophomore expected to take the reins soon, described his first meeting with Brown as “chilling in the best way.” “Coach Brown has done everything you can do in college football,” Manning said. “He doesn’t come in and act like he knows it all, but when he speaks, you listen. It’s like having Yoda in your building.”
Former players are also rallying around the decision. Vince Young, whose legendary Rose Bowl performance in 2006 remains one of the greatest in college football history, praised the move. “Coach Brown changed my life,” Young said. “He always saw the person first, then the player. His return is going to uplift the program, unify the fanbase, and bring that extra edge Texas needs to take over in the SEC.”
Critics may question whether adding another voice to the mix will complicate Sarkisian’s leadership, but all signs point to a unified front. Brown has no desire to return to coaching and has emphasized that he’s there to support, not oversee. “Steve is the head coach,” Brown said. “My job is to help, not to lead. I’ve done my leading. Now I get to mentor and support—and that’s a great place to be.”
Texas is already seeing the benefits of the partnership. Recruits are taking notice, boosters are energized, and morale in the football offices is at an all-time high. One staffer put it plainly: “When Mack Brown walks into the room, you straighten your back. You remember why you’re here. That’s what leadership looks like.”
While Brown’s impact won’t be seen in box scores or stat sheets, his influence will ripple through every aspect of the program—from locker room culture to high-level strategy. He brings not just experience, but clarity, humility, and an unwavering belief in Texas Football.
As the Longhorns gear up for their inaugural SEC schedule, featuring clashes with Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M, having Mack Brown in the building may be the most important offseason acquisition they’ve made. In a world where college football is rapidly changing—NIL, the transfer portal, expanded playoffs—Texas has chosen to anchor itself with a legacy of stability, class, and championship pedigree.
Brown’s return isn’t just a nod to the past. It’s a bridge to the future. It’s a strategic maneuver that reinforces what the program stands for and what it aims to become again: the gold standard of college football.
And as the Longhorns prepare to ride into battle in the SEC, one thing is certain—Mack Brown, the man who once took Texas to the mountaintop, is back to help them climb even higher. Not as a coach, but as a cornerstone. Not to relive history, but to help write a new one.
Because at Texas, the mission remains the same: win with integrity, lead with heart, and never forget that the eyes of Texas are always upon you.