Mack Brown revealed he felt exhausted at Texas before resigning as the Longhorns’ head coach.

Mack Brown’s tenure as head coach of the Texas Longhorns is one of the most storied periods in college football history. From his hiring in 1998 to his resignation in 2013, Brown built a program renowned for its competitiveness, tradition, and resilience. However, amidst the highs and lows, Brown later admitted that he “got tired at Texas” before stepping down, revealing the emotional, physical, and mental toll that coaching a high-profile program can exact on even the most dedicated leaders.

This comprehensive exploration delves into the journey of Mack Brown at Texas, the challenges faced, the pressures that accumulate over years, and ultimately, the reasons behind his feelings of exhaustion that contributed to his decision to resign.

The Rise of Mack Brown at Texas
Mack Brown’s arrival at Texas in 1998 marked a new chapter for the Longhorns, who had experienced fluctuating success in the years prior. His reputation as a charismatic leader and a seasoned coach with extensive experience at North Carolina made him an appealing choice. Brown inherited a program with a proud tradition but one that had recently struggled to maintain national prominence.

In his first seasons, Brown focused on building a culture rooted in discipline, hard work, and academic excellence. His initial recruiting classes laid the foundation for future success. By 2005, Brown had transformed Texas into a national powerhouse, culminating in a national championship victory that season—a pinnacle that showcased his coaching acumen and leadership.

The Peaks and Valleys: The Demanding Nature of College Football at Texas
Throughout his tenure, Brown experienced tremendous successes, including multiple Big 12 titles, top-tier recruiting classes, and consistent bowl appearances. His 2005 national championship was a crowning achievement, but it also marked the beginning of a more intense era of scrutiny and pressure.

College football, especially at Texas, is a high-stakes environment. Expectations are sky-high, fueled by the program’s storied history and passionate fan base. The media spotlight is relentless, and the pressure to win is persistent. Brown navigated this landscape with resilience, but the relentless demand for excellence inevitably wore on him.

The Toll of Success: Physical and Emotional Exhaustion
As Brown’s teams faced tough competition and the pressure mounted, he found himself increasingly drained. Coaching at Texas involves long hours—recruiting weekends, game preparations, media obligations, and community engagements. The weight of maintaining a top-tier program can be overwhelming.

By the late 2000s and early 2010s, Brown’s health and energy levels reflected the toll of this demanding schedule. The constant scrutiny, the high expectations for national titles, and the pressure to produce winning seasons created an environment where fatigue set in.

In interviews and reflections, Brown acknowledged that the exhaustion was not solely physical but also mental and emotional. The stress of handling egos, managing staff, dealing with injuries, and navigating NCAA regulations can lead to burnout.

The Changing Landscape of College Football
The landscape of college football evolved rapidly during Brown’s tenure. The rise of the BCS system, the increasing influence of television contracts, and the expanding recruiting wars intensified the pressure on coaches and programs alike.

At Texas, these changes meant even more at stake. The program’s reputation was tied to national success, and failure to meet expectations often resulted in criticism from fans, alumni, and media. Brown often found himself balancing the desire to stay true to his coaching philosophy with the demands of a hyper-competitive environment.

The Personal Struggles and Reflection
By the early 2010s, Brown’s health and personal well-being became more prominent in his reflections. The constant grind, combined with the emotional investment in his players and staff, led to feelings of fatigue that extended beyond physical tiredness.

In interviews after his resignation, Brown revealed that he had “got tired at Texas”—a phrase that encapsulates the culmination of years of relentless effort, high-pressure decision-making, and the emotional rollercoaster of college coaching.

He admitted that despite his passion for the game and love for the university, there came a point where he recognized that he needed to step away to preserve his health and personal life.

The Decision to Resign
In December 2013, after 16 seasons, Mack Brown announced his resignation as Texas head coach. His decision surprised many but was understandable given his candid admission of exhaustion.

Brown explained that he felt it was the right time to step aside, both for himself and for the program’s future. He expressed pride in what he had accomplished but also acknowledged that the relentless pursuit of excellence had taken a toll.

His resignation marked the end of an era, but it also reflected a broader understanding that sustaining such an intense career requires recognizing one’s limits.

The Aftermath and Reflection
Following his resignation, Brown took time to reflect on his career and the sacrifices involved. He emphasized the importance of family, health, and personal well-being—values that sometimes take a backseat in the high-octane world of college football.

Brown’s candidness about feeling tired resonated with many in the coaching community, shedding light on the often-unseen toll of leadership at the highest levels. His honesty helped foster conversations about mental health and burnout among coaches.

Lessons Learned and Legacy
Mack Brown’s admission that he “got tired at Texas” underscores the human side of coaching. Behind the wins, championships, and accolades are individuals who face immense pressure and sacrifices.

His tenure serves as a testament to the dedication required to lead a major college football program but also as a reminder of the importance of self-care and recognizing personal limits.

His legacy includes not only the trophies and victories but also the authenticity and humility he demonstrated in acknowledging his exhaustion. These qualities have inspired many coaches and leaders to prioritize their health and well-being.

Mack Brown’s journey at Texas was marked by extraordinary success and equally significant challenges. His admission that he “got tired at Texas” prior to his resignation reveals the profound human element behind the coaching profession. It highlights the physical, emotional, and mental demands that can accumulate over years of relentless pursuit of excellence.

His story reminds us that even the most dedicated and passionate individuals need to recognize their limits and prioritize their health. Brown’s legacy is not just in the wins but also in his honesty, resilience, and humility—traits that continue to inspire coaches and leaders across sports and beyond.