Texas men's AD Steve Patterson "has been told to change his personal style," according to sources cited by Chuck Carlton of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Sources said that Patterson "hasn’t yet reached the point of no return" with new UT President Greg Fenves, who "has heard repeated criticism of Patterson from alumni, donors and fans." Fenves "has expressed concern and told Patterson of the need to change an approach that some see as impersonal or even arrogant." Former UT President Bill Powers "had expressed similar concerns with Patterson." Fenves is an engineer by training and has "been described as taking an analytical and methodical approach to his decision-making." One "key question: how receptive to change is Patterson, whose management approach has been consistent" during stints with the Trail Blazers and Arizona State. A "recurring theme has been an emphasis on money over anything else" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 7/16). In Austin, Brian Davis reports Patterson’s business acumen "does not appear to be the source of friction with Fenves." Sources said that the way in which Patterson "goes about getting things done" is the issue. A source called Patterson “a bull in a China shop” (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 7/16). 247SPORTS' Burton & Hummer cited sources as saying that while some elements of recent reports calling the Fenves-Patterson relationship contentious "are true," some "lack merit." A source said the reports are "off base, but not way off." While multiple reports "have presented the side of certain alumni and fans, none have detailed with any value the stance" of Patterson or UT's athletic department. Burton & Hummer cited documents as showing that some of the transgressions raised "may not be as problematic as first reported" (247SPORTS.com, 7/15).
