Giving Back to the Texas Longhorns: Mack Brown Donates Three Buses to Support Texas Athletics, Calls It a Gesture for Legacy…
Austin, TX – June 14, 2025 — In a heartwarming and powerful gesture that resonates deeply with the spirit of Texas pride, legendary former head coach Mack Brown has donated three luxury buses to the University of Texas at Austin athletic department, specifically for the use of the Texas Longhorns football program. Describing it as a “gesture for legacy,” Brown’s donation represents far more than just transportation—it is a tribute to the enduring bond he shares with the university, its athletes, and the Longhorn community at large.
A Return to His Roots
Mack Brown, who coached the Texas Longhorns from 1998 to 2013 and led the team to a national championship victory in 2005, remains one of the most revered figures in Texas football history. Though he has continued his coaching career at the University of North Carolina since leaving Austin, his heart has never strayed far from the Forty Acres.
Now, over a decade after his departure from Texas, Brown has once again demonstrated his unwavering loyalty and passion for the Longhorns by giving back in a meaningful and tangible way. In a special press conference held at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, he stood before a crowd of former players, university officials, and fans to unveil the three buses wrapped in burnt orange and adorned with the Longhorn emblem.
“I’ve always said, once a Longhorn, always a Longhorn,” Brown said, as applause erupted. “This isn’t just about buses. This is about building a legacy, about ensuring that our student-athletes—present and future—continue to feel the pride and tradition that comes with wearing that Longhorn logo.”
A Vision of Support and Legacy
The luxury buses are fully equipped with state-of-the-art amenities—leather reclining seats, high-speed Wi-Fi, personalized entertainment systems, team-themed interiors, and custom audio-visual setups for game film review and preparation. Each bus is also named after legendary Longhorns from Mack Brown’s era: “Vince”, after quarterback Vince Young; “Colt”, honoring quarterback Colt McCoy; and “Ricky”, after Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams.
In Brown’s words, “These buses are more than vehicles. They’re mobile monuments to our proud past, and engines for our future. They’ll carry our players to battle, reminding them every mile of who they play for, who came before them, and who believes in them.”
The donation was made through the Mack Brown Foundation, which has historically supported youth development, education, and athletics across the country. This particular act of giving back, however, holds a deeply personal meaning for the legendary coach.
“Legacy isn’t just about winning games. It’s about lifting up others, it’s about service. And to me, there’s no greater honor than giving something back to the place that gave me everything,” Brown said, visibly emotional.
University and Community Reaction
University President Jay Hartzell, Athletic Director Chris Del Conte, and current Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian all expressed their profound gratitude to Brown during the ceremony.
“This is Mack being Mack,” said Sarkisian. “He’s always been about the team, about tradition, about family. These buses will not just transport our players—they’ll remind them of the greatness that came before, and the greatness they can become.”
Del Conte added, “Coach Brown’s generosity and thoughtfulness know no bounds. These buses are symbols of excellence and commitment, and they speak volumes about his continued investment in our athletes’ experience.”
Many current players were in awe of the gesture. Senior linebacker Jaden Holmes remarked, “It’s surreal to be here for this. Coach Brown is a legend, and to know he’s still thinking about us and supporting us—man, that just gives you another reason to go hard for this team.”
Building More Than a Team—Building a Family
During his tenure, Mack Brown was known not only for winning games but also for cultivating a family culture within the team. He emphasized relationships, mentorship, academic success, and personal development alongside athletic achievement. His influence continues to be felt throughout the program, and this latest gesture reaffirms his lifelong commitment to the Texas Longhorns.
“Mack has always been like a father to many of us,” said former linebacker Derrick Johnson, now a Longhorns Hall of Famer. “And fathers take care of their family. That’s what this is.”
A Legacy Cast in Burnt Orange
The new fleet of buses will be used not only for football but also for other university athletic teams when available, allowing broader access to better travel accommodations for Olympic sports like track and field, baseball, and volleyball. The university has also announced that a commemorative plaque will be installed in each vehicle to honor Brown’s contribution.
Moreover, the unveiling coincides with a broader initiative by the University of Texas athletic department to modernize travel and logistics for student-athletes. Brown’s donation serves as a cornerstone in this long-term infrastructure strategy.
Final Words from a Longhorn Legend
As the event concluded, Mack Brown looked across the stadium one last time, his voice steady but his eyes glistening with emotion.
“This field, these stands, this university—it’s in my blood. And while I may not walk these sidelines anymore, my heart beats for Texas every day. I hope these buses help our kids feel that support every time they climb aboard. This is my way of saying thank you—and hook ’em forever.”
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 season looming and expectations high for a Longhorn resurgence, Mack Brown’s contribution could not come at a better time. It’s a reminder that greatness is not only defined by wins, but by enduring impact.
The buses hit the road this fall as the Longhorns begin their campaign in the newly expanded Big 12 Conference. And with every turn of the wheels, Mack Brown’s legacy will ride with them—not just as a coach of champions, but as a champion of Texas.
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