Univ. of Texas President Gregory Fenves "has fired" embattled AD Steve Patterson after the two met this morning, according to a source cited by Davis & Bohls of the AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN. The move brings an end to a "tumultuous 22-month journey for the athletic department during which fans grew outraged over higher ticket prices and Patterson battled the perception that his cool demeanor simply does not fit UT’s style.” A source said that the “last straw” proved to be when Patterson “lost the confidence of his coaches.” The source said that former UT LB Mike Perrin “will be named the interim athletic director.” Sources said that former UT football coach Mack Brown “met with Fenves last week.” However, one source said that Brown “is not being considered for the permanent athletic director job.” Davis & Bohls note Patterson would be owed at least $5.6M on his contract, although it is possible he and school officials “could negotiate a lower amount.” Patterson was picked by a search committee as DeLoss Dodds’ replacement in October ‘13 instead of then-West Virginia AD Oliver Luck "specifically for Patterson’s business acumen” (STATESMAN.com, 9/15). In Dallas, Chuck Carlton notes the plan for months had been for Fenves to evaluate Patterson "near the end of the calendar year and render a verdict" on the AD's future. Fenves has been described as "deliberate and orderly in his decision-making," but he is also "new to big-time college athletics." A "Patterson Must Go" banner "flew over Royal-Memorial Stadium" prior to Saturday's football game against Rice, and negative anecdotes about Patterson are "numerous, unflattering and easily obtainable" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 9/15).
DONORS' COMPLAINTS: HORNS DIGEST's Chip Brown cited sources as saying that Fenves has "outlined for his athletic director numerous complaints that have been brought to Fenves’ attention about Patterson." Sources said that those complaints have "come from dozens of angry donors, including some of Texas’ top givers." Those donors felt Patterson is running UT "like a cold, unfeeling pro sports franchise that views UT faithful as faceless customers." Coming off of a 6-7 season, 10,000 football season-ticket holders "didn't renew" for '15 after an average cost increase of 21.5%. The Red River Shootout against Oklahoma on Oct. 10 -- "normally one of the toughest tickets in college football -- has roughly 8,000 unsold tickets on the Texas side of the Cotton Bowl." Men's basketball ticket prices have "been raised" an average of 7% by Patterson "one year after he raised them" an average of 4%. Sources said that others have "complained to Fenves that Texas is losing stature politically in the Big 12 and nationally" because Patterson "doesn’t have the stature and/or relationships across college athletics" of Dodds (HORNSDIGEST.com, 9/14). In Oklahoma, Jenni Carlson writes UT donors of "all shapes, sizes and socio-economic classes have been turned off by Patterson." Some "don't like the way he's handled football season tickets," and others "believe he's botched facilities expansion." Some also "feel neglected as donors." It has all "led to the feeling among donors that Patterson is aloof and cold and his athletic department is, too" (OKLAHOMAN, 9/15).
POPULAR HIRES NOT ENOUGH: The AP's Jim Vertuno notes Patterson has "overseen two popular hires at Texas" in football coach Charlie Strong and men's basketball coach Shaka Smart, but he had been "unable to win over fans and university donors." He has had "several meetings with Fenves to soften his approach to business" (AP, 9/15). ESPN's Max Olson said Patterson "just fostered so much ill will in his time here between his cost-cutting, raising ticket prices, his poor communication." Olson: "He made a lot of mistakes in less than two years on the job, and these are the consequences.” The hiring of Strong and Smart was "definitely seen as the biggest accomplishment" of Patterson's tenure and "really the only feather in his cap." ESPN's Danny Kanell said Patterson and UT was "just a bad fit personality-wise." Kanell: "I do have my concerns what it means for Charlie Strong in the future there. This was his boss, the guy who brought him in there. Now he’s gone. But I think ultimately if you win your boss is going to be happy” (“SportsCenter,” ESPN, 9/15).
MONEY MATTERS MOST: In San Antonio, Buck Harvey writes UT hiring Patterson was a "mistake," and his departure likely will "change the climate" around the athletic department. However, this is "mostly a soap opera about oversized office politics." Patterson's permanent replacement will "attempt to create as much revenue as possible, too." The personality will "change, but the goals will not" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 9/15).
