“As a Long-Time Serving Coach of the Longhorns, I Have What It Takes to Make Us Win Again. My Return Will Make a Greater Impact, as a Hope to See Us Win Again,” Says Mack Brown

Some things never leave your blood. For me, Texas Football is one of them.

I spent 16 seasons on the sidelines in Austin, walking that burnt orange turf, leading young men under the blistering sun and the brightest lights. The “Horns up” never stops meaning something to me. When you’ve poured your heart into a program like I did at Texas, it never truly leaves you. And now, as I look at this new era for the Longhorns, I feel that fire building inside me again.

I may not be the one calling the plays or pacing the sidelines at DKR these days, but make no mistake—I’m back in spirit, in presence, and in belief. As a long-time serving coach of the Texas Longhorns, I know what it takes to win here. I’ve done it before. And I believe my return—my voice, my guidance, my hope—can still make a meaningful impact on this program. I’m here because I believe in Texas, and I believe we will win again.

The Legacy We Built

It all started in 1998. When I took over the Texas program, we weren’t just rebuilding a football team—we were rebuilding an identity. We were chasing excellence in a state where football isn’t just a game. It’s religion. It’s pride. It’s family. And I knew from the very first meeting with our players that something special could be done in Austin.

It took time. It took culture shifts. It took long nights, tough losses, and relentless recruiting. But by the early 2000s, we were rolling. And when we finally reached the mountaintop in 2005—when Vince Young ran it in on fourth down against USC in the Rose Bowl—it felt like destiny.

That win wasn’t just a national championship. It was a statement: Texas is back. Texas belongs. And Texas knows how to finish.

We went 158-48 during my time there. Two Big 12 titles. Two national championship appearances. Countless top-10 finishes. And even more important than the wins and trophies? The young men we helped grow into leaders—on and off the field. That’s what I’m most proud of.

Stepping Away—and Watching from Afar

When I stepped away in 2013, it wasn’t easy. I loved that team. I loved those players. But sometimes, a program needs a fresh voice, and I respected that. I took a break, moved into broadcasting, and kept one eye—and one heart—on Austin at all times.

Watching from the outside was bittersweet. I saw the coaching changes. The ups and downs. The quarterback shuffles, the near misses, the tough transitions. And every time I heard someone ask, “Is Texas back?” it stung a little.

Because I knew what this program was capable of. I had seen the fire in the fans’ eyes, heard the roar at DKR on a Saturday night, and felt the pride that radiates from this university. I never doubted that Texas could get back to where we once were. What we needed was belief. Leadership. And a return to our core.

Why I’m Speaking Now

So why now? Why say, publicly and proudly, that I’m returning to help this team win again?

Because Texas is standing at a crossroads.

The move to the SEC is monumental. It’s not just a shift in schedule—it’s a shift in identity. We’re no longer playing for just Big 12 dominance. We’re stepping into the heart of college football warfare. Alabama, Georgia, LSU—every week is a battle. And if you’re not ready to bring it, you get left behind.

That’s why my voice matters again. That’s why I’m speaking to the players, to the fans, to the coaching staff—because I’ve lived this. I’ve built it. I know what it feels like to walk into a stadium and silence 100,000 doubters.

I know the pressure of expectations in Austin. It’s heavy. It’s relentless. But it’s also what makes this place great. If you embrace it, you become part of something legendary.

What Winning Looks Like at Texas

Winning at Texas isn’t just about talent. We’ve always had talent. It’s about mindset.

It’s about walking into practice every day knowing you’re not just playing for a spot—you’re playing for the pride of every fan in burnt orange. You’re playing for the name on the front of the jersey, for the generations before you, and for the legacy you’ll leave behind.

When we won in 2005, it wasn’t just because of Vince Young’s brilliance (though that sure helped). It was because we had a team that believed in each other. We had leaders at every position. We had coaches who didn’t settle. We had a culture that refused to lose.

That’s what I want to bring back. That’s what I’m here for. Whether it’s mentoring young coaches, talking with players, or helping behind the scenes, I’m going to do everything I can to help this team reclaim its rightful place at the top.

A Word to the Players

To every player wearing that Longhorn jersey right now: you’ve got a legacy to protect and a future to build.

Understand this—Texas is not a normal program. You don’t get to fly under the radar. You don’t get to blend in. Every move you make is watched. Every play, every decision, every game—it matters.

You’ve been chosen to represent a program with a standard. And while that might feel like pressure, it’s actually a gift. Because when you win at Texas, it means more. It carries weight. It echoes across the country.

So don’t run from it. Embrace it. Let that pressure mold you into something unbreakable.

And know this: You’ve got people behind you. You’ve got legends watching. You’ve got coaches and alumni who would give anything to see you hold up that trophy.

You’ve got me.

To the Fans: Stay the Course

Texas fans are some of the most passionate and loyal in all of college football. You’ve endured coaching transitions, heartbreaking losses, and seasons where the promise just didn’t quite turn into performance. I know it’s been hard.

But I’m here to tell you: your faith is not misplaced.

This program is on the cusp again. The talent is there. The infrastructure is stronger than ever. The recruits are coming. The swagger is starting to show again.

But we need unity. From the stands to the sidelines, we need one voice. One purpose. One heartbeat.

We’ve done it before. We can do it again. And when we do—it’s going to be even sweeter than it was the first time.

The Future Starts Now

There’s no more waiting. No more asking “Is Texas back?”

Texas is back—when we decide we are. When we stop chasing ghosts and start building our own story again. When we stop living in 2005 and start creating the next great Texas moment.

I’m here to help. However I can, wherever I’m needed. I didn’t come back to chase glory. I came back because I love this place. I love what it stands for. I love the power of that Longhorn logo and everything it represents.

As a long-time serving coach of the Longhorns, I’ve seen this program at its peak. And I’ve seen how fast it can slip.

But I also know what it takes to get back. I have what it takes. This staff has what it takes. These players—they have what it takes.

My return isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about purpose. It’s about legacy. It’s about hope. And more than anything, it’s about winning.

So buckle up. Get loud. Get proud.

Because I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.

We’re going to see the Longhorns win again.

Hook ‘em.