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The sources cautioned that Patterson hasn’t yet reached the point of no return with new school president Greg Fenves. The two are scheduled to talk again Friday, sources said, as part of regularly scheduled meetings. In previous meetings, Fenves has expressed concern and told Patterson of the need to change an approach that some see as impersonal or even arrogant.
Former Texas president Bill Powers had expressed similar concerns with Patterson, who was hired to replace DeLoss Dodds in November 2013 and received a five-year contract worth $1.4 million annually.. Since becoming president in June, Fenves has heard repeated criticism of Patterson from alumni, donors and fans. An engineer by training, Fenves has been described as taking an analytical and methodical approach to his decision-making.
In a statement, Fenves acknowledged regular meetings with Patterson and the need to work through budget issues. He said he is “aware of the frustrations of some of our Longhorn fans. Our athletic teams are the front door of the university and our fans are essential to their success.”
One key question: how receptive to change is Patterson, whose management approach has been consistent from the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers to Arizona State to Texas. While some members of the fan base have praised Patterson for bringing a business mindset, numerous others have criticized him.
A recurring theme has been an emphasis on money over anything else, from increases in ticket prices, changes in faculty tickets and a focus on international branding. The concern, sources say, is less the message than Patterson’s approach, sources said. Most of the goodwill surrounding his hire has pretty much been exhausted.
A recent lengthy investigative piece by Horns Digest cited numerous examples of Patterson’s management style that has drawn ire.
An internal athletic department memo that has been sent to donors was obtained by the Morning News and addresses many of the criticisms that have dogged Patterson.
The document covers everything from a big picture economic view of the department to the football travel plans of the Texas band (yes to Oklahoma and TCU; maybe on Baylor) and a possible international football game in Mexico City.
Among the assertions:
-- The athletic department posted a net loss of $8.1 million in 2013-14, the first time since 1999-2000 where Texas lost money. Ticket revenue and donations have remained flat over the last five years according to the document.
-- New cost of attendance mandates will average $5,750 per athlete, an annual total of $1.5 million. In a survey by the Chronicle of Higher Education in April, Texas’ cost of attendance was listed at $4,310.
-- Increased meals and snacks for athletes will cost $1.05 million annually according to the document.
Patterson will have a chance soon to make a good impression with Fenves. Texas’ apparel contract with Nike is nearing an end and a new deal could bring $9 million or more, based on recent deals by Notre Dame and Michigan.
And a resurgence by the football program under Patterson hire Charlie Strong would certainly improve the mood of Texas fans.
- Texas athletic director Steve Patterson has been told to change his personal style, three sources familiar with the process confirmed Wednesday.
The sources cautioned that Patterson hasn’t yet reached the point of no return with new school president Greg Fenves. The two are scheduled to talk again Friday, sources said, as part of regularly scheduled meetings. In previous meetings, Fenves has expressed concern and told Patterson of the need to change an approach that some see as impersonal or even arrogant.
Former Texas president Bill Powers had expressed similar concerns with Patterson, who was hired to replace DeLoss Dodds in November 2013 and received a five-year contract worth $1.4 million annually.. Since becoming president in June, Fenves has heard repeated criticism of Patterson from alumni, donors and fans. An engineer by training, Fenves has been described as taking an analytical and methodical approach to his decision-making.
In a statement, Fenves acknowledged regular meetings with Patterson and the need to work through budget issues. He said he is “aware of the frustrations of some of our Longhorn fans. Our athletic teams are the front door of the university and our fans are essential to their success.”
One key question: how receptive to change is Patterson, whose management approach has been consistent from the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers to Arizona State to Texas. While some members of the fan base have praised Patterson for bringing a business mindset, numerous others have criticized him.
A recurring theme has been an emphasis on money over anything else, from increases in ticket prices, changes in faculty tickets and a focus on international branding. The concern, sources say, is less the message than Patterson’s approach, sources said. Most of the goodwill surrounding his hire has pretty much been exhausted.
A recent lengthy investigative piece by Horns Digest cited numerous examples of Patterson’s management style that has drawn ire.
An internal athletic department memo that has been sent to donors was obtained by the Morning News and addresses many of the criticisms that have dogged Patterson.
The document covers everything from a big picture economic view of the department to the football travel plans of the Texas band (yes to Oklahoma and TCU; maybe on Baylor) and a possible international football game in Mexico City.
Among the assertions:
-- The athletic department posted a net loss of $8.1 million in 2013-14, the first time since 1999-2000 where Texas lost money. Ticket revenue and donations have remained flat over the last five years according to the document.
-- New cost of attendance mandates will average $5,750 per athlete, an annual total of $1.5 million. In a survey by the Chronicle of Higher Education in April, Texas’ cost of attendance was listed at $4,310.
-- Increased meals and snacks for athletes will cost $1.05 million annually according to the document.
Patterson will have a chance soon to make a good impression with Fenves. Texas’ apparel contract with Nike is nearing an end and a new deal could bring $9 million or more, based on recent deals by Notre Dame and Michigan.
And a resurgence by the football program under Patterson hire Charlie Strong would certainly improve the mood of Texas fans.
