On December 28, 2013, a significant chapter in the history of the University of Texas Longhorns football program came to a close. It was on this day that Mack Brown coached his final game as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns. The occasion marked the end of an era, one defined by both triumph and frustration, and set the stage for the program’s future under new leadership. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Mack Brown’s tenure at Texas, the final game he coached, and the lasting impact he left on the Longhorns.
### Mack Brown’s Legacy at Texas
When Mack Brown was hired as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns in 1998, few could have predicted the seismic impact he would have on the program. Texas was a program in flux at the time, struggling to regain its former glory. Brown, a Texas native who had previously built a successful program at the University of North Carolina, was tasked with turning things around. What followed was a period of unprecedented success for the Longhorns, making his tenure one of the most memorable in the program’s storied history.
Under Brown, Texas won two Big 12 championships (2001 and 2005), had an appearance in the BCS National Championship Game, and most famously, won the 2005 national title. The 2005 team, led by star quarterback Vince Young, is widely considered one of the greatest in college football history. That victory over USC in the Rose Bowl remains a defining moment in the history of college football, and it helped cement Brown’s status as a coaching legend.
For over 16 seasons, Brown had Texas consistently competing for national titles, bowl game appearances, and conference championships. He was known for his recruiting prowess, his ability to develop talent, and his knack for keeping Texas at the forefront of college football. During his time in Austin, the Longhorns won 158 games, placing Brown among the winningest coaches in college football history.
However, as is often the case in college football, success can be fleeting. Despite his impressive resume, Brown’s tenure in Austin began to unravel in the later years. The Longhorns failed to reach the same heights after their national title in 2005, and in the years that followed, the program saw a gradual decline in performance. By the time the 2013 season arrived, the writing was on the wall: Mack Brown’s time at Texas was coming to an end.
### The 2013 Alamo Bowl: Mack Brown’s Final Game
Mack Brown’s final game as the Texas Longhorns head coach came on December 28, 2013, in the Valero Alamo Bowl. Texas faced the Oregon Ducks, a team that had been a perennial powerhouse in the Pac-12, led by the high-flying offense of head coach Chip Kelly. The Ducks were an explosive team, led by quarterback Marcus Mariota, and were considered heavy favorites going into the game.
At the time, Texas had endured a tumultuous season, finishing with an 8-4 record in the regular season. While the team showed flashes of brilliance, there were also numerous disappointing losses, including a blowout defeat at the hands of Oklahoma and a loss to a mediocre Baylor team that effectively ended the Longhorns’ chances of a Big 12 title. Despite these struggles, the players and coaching staff knew this game would be Brown’s swan song, and emotions ran high as they took the field in San Antonio.
From the outset, the game proved to be an exciting and high-scoring affair. Oregon’s fast-paced offense was exactly what the Ducks were known for, and Texas had difficulty containing them early on. However, the Longhorns refused to back down. Quarterback Case McCoy, filling in for the injured David Ash, played with poise and determination, while running back Malcolm Brown and wide receiver Mike Davis both had big performances.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, but in the end, Texas came out on top with a thrilling 30-7 victory. The Longhorns’ defense, led by linebacker Jordan Hicks and defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat, was crucial in stifling Oregon’s potent attack. Jeffcoat, in particular, had an outstanding game, finishing with 2.5 sacks and earning the game’s MVP honors. The victory was a fitting sendoff for Mack Brown, who had been with the program for over 15 years at that point.
For Brown, the Alamo Bowl win provided a bittersweet conclusion to his tenure. While the win was a testament to his ability to rally his team and end the season on a high note, it also highlighted the challenges that had plagued his later years in Austin. Despite the victory, Brown’s decision to step down had already been made. He was later replaced by Charlie Strong, who would become the next head coach of the Longhorns, ushering in a new era for the program.
### The Aftermath and Mack Brown’s Impact on Texas Football
In the years following Mack Brown’s departure, the Longhorns underwent a period of transition. Charlie Strong, hired as the new head coach, struggled to replicate the success that Brown had achieved, and after a few years, he was replaced by Tom Herman in 2017. While Herman had some success with the program, he too was eventually let go, and Texas is still in the process of finding its long-term answer at head coach.
Despite the ups and downs that followed Brown’s departure, it’s impossible to ignore the lasting impact he had on Texas football. Brown helped build the foundation that would allow Texas to remain one of the most attractive programs in the country. His recruiting classes, many of which included future NFL stars, helped keep the Longhorns competitive even after his tenure ended. His emphasis on academic success, discipline, and player development set the tone for the program, even in the years after he left.
Perhaps most importantly, Mack Brown left behind a legacy of success and pride. His teams represented the University of Texas with dignity and class, and he built a culture of excellence that will always be associated with the Longhorns. Even in his final years, when the program struggled to meet the lofty expectations of Texas fans, Brown’s leadership and impact on the program were undeniable.
### Reflecting on a Storied Career
Mack Brown’s career at Texas was full of highs and lows, but one thing is certain: his time as the head coach of the Longhorns will always be remembered as one of the most successful eras in the program’s history. Brown brought Texas back to national prominence, and while his tenure ended with the Alamo Bowl victory in 2013, his influence on the program is still felt today.
As we reflect on this date in Texas history—December 28, 2013—Mack Brown’s final game as the head coach of the Longhorns, it’s clear that his legacy is one that will endure. His coaching career is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of leadership, and the lasting impact that one individual can have on an entire program. Whether you were a fan of the Longhorns or an admirer of college football as a whole, Mack Brown’s contributions to the sport are undeniable.
As the Longhorns continue their quest for another national championship, they do so with the foundation laid by Mack Brown. His legacy lives on in every touchdown, every victory, and every future recruit that wears the burnt orange and white.