Texas AD Hot Board: 4 Replacements For Steve Patterson

The Texas Longhorns fired athletic director Steve Patterson, and the search for his replacement is underway. It may take several months for Texas to tab Patterson's replacement, as it is difficult to hire ADs during the middle of football season. Still, there are several candidates who are likely at the top of Texas' list. Here are four replacements for Patterson.

1. Oliver Luck

Luck was rumored to be Texas' choice to replace DeLoss Dodds before the school hired Patterson. Now that Patterson is fired, Texas could look to rectify the mistake of passing on Luck the first time. Luck currently holds an executive position with the NCAA. Before taking that job, Luck was the AD at his alma mater, West Virginia.  

2. Mack Brown 

A source close to Brown said the former Texas football coach has already discussed the AD position with Texas President Greg Fenves. Brown is flattered, but wants to wait until after the end of the college football season because he wants to be a coach again. If Texas waits until after the season ends, Brown could be the No. 1 candidate.

3. Bubba Cunningham

Cunningham has been the North Carolina AD since 2011. Before that, he served as AD at Tulsa and at Ball State. Texas vetted Cunningham before it hired Patterson, and will likely look at him again. 

4. Tom Jurich 

Perhaps Texas could dip into the Louisville well once more. Jurich is the AD at Louisville and is highly regarded in the college world. He's in the running for the position, just like he was last year before deciding he didn't want the job. If Jurich is hired, it could cool the hot seat of Charlie Strong, whom Jurich hired at Louisville. 

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