The Univ. of Texas last week fired men's AD Steve Patterson because his "terrible bedside manner with donors was incompatible with his charge to balance the department’s books and interfered with the university’s primary mission," according to an AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN editorial. Patterson’s "controversial financial moves and growing public-perception problems not only undermined the efforts" of the $173M athletics program; they "threatened to derail the academic agenda of [UT President Gregory] Fenves’ nascent administration." Fenves had "no choice but to show Patterson the exit and do it quickly." Patterson was "bad for business." Fielding the "avalanche [of] calls from angry fans and donors about Patterson," though part of Fenves' job, "compromised the academic agenda." Patterson lacked former men's AD Deloss Dodds’ "folksiness and understanding of the importance of cultivating relationships with donors, fans and the community." So, when Patterson "found himself in political trouble, there was no cavalry to charge to his defense." Donors "shouldn’t call the shots," but a "shrewd athletics director knows how to make them feel appreciated and win their confidence" (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 9/19). ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach wrote the "rift was bigger than with just one mega-booster." In fact, Patterson's "antiseptic, micromanaging style alienated many of the Longhorns' most ardent supporters." Patterson's attempt to "transform the UT athletic department through his idea of a pro sports model was his ultimate undoing." One source said, "He just put us through hell. I've had the worst year of my life. Some of the happiest people in town are the spouses of employees. He made a lot of good people miserable" (ESPN.com, 9/18). In Dallas, Tim Cowlishaw wrote he wanted then-West Virginia AD Oliver Luck "to get the job" the last time UT's AD position was open. Luck, currently the NCAA VP/Regulatory Affairs, is "not only a very interesting guy, he is a very smart guy." Cowlishaw: "Not sure he wants to take another run at it, but I would certainly look at him" (DALLASNEWS.com, 9/20).
ON THE MIKE: In Austin, Brian Davis noted UT interim men's AD Mike Perrin "was a virtual whirlwind in the hours leading up to kickoff" on Saturday for UT's football game against Cal. The UT athletic department "chronicled all of his moves on Twitter with the hashtag #PregamewithPerrin." Perrin said that he "started by visiting the Longhorn band and meeting some of the alumni members scheduled to play on Saturday night" (MYSTATESMAN.com, 9/19). In Houston, David Barron wrote under the header, "Perrin Calm, Cool And Collected." There is a "reservoir of trust and goodwill" that Perrin "will employ as he takes the reins" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 9/20).
