Tag: special assistant

Texas posts new job opening that could be connected to Gary Patteron’s future role

Will Gary Patterson join Texas as the “special assistant” to Steve Sarkisian?

Over the last few weeks, former TCU head coach Gary Patterson emerged as a likely candidate to join Steve Sarkisian’s staff at Texas in some way.

However, no one has been able to pinpoint exactly what Patterson’s role would be if he did choose to come to Austin. Would he join the staff as an analyst? Could he be searching for a more significant job title on the defensive side?

In December, reports surfaced that Patterson was meeting with current Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski about joining the staff. An analyst role seemed to be the most likely fit for Patterson, which would allow the defensive mastermind to assist in strategical needs, help during practices, and offer recruiting suggestions.

A recent job posting from Texas may have shed some light on what Patterson’s future role with the Longhorns could be. On Sunday, the school posted a new job opportunity labeled as the “special assistant to the head coach.”

Shortly after the job posting became public, many fans and media members began to connect the dots to Patterson.

Here are a few of the full-time role’s responsibilities:

  • Assist with special projects assigned by the head football coach.
  • Assist with overall practice and game day preparation, statistical analysis, and video analysis of opposing teams.
  • Travel with coaching staff and team to provide statistical support.

There were also preferred qualifications mentioned, which include experience as an offensive or defensive coordinator in a Division 1 Collegiate or NFL football program.

It sounds like a perfect fit for Patterson, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he is hired as the special assistant to the head coach in the near future.

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Vince Young officially rehired by Texas as special assistant

Former Texas quarterback Vince Young has officially been rehired as a special assistant for the athletic department.

Texas has rehired former Longhorns quarterback and College Football Hall of Famer Vince Young as a special assistant in the athletic department. Continue reading “Vince Young officially rehired by Texas as special assistant”

Chris Spielman to join Detroit Lions as Special Assistant to Chairman and President & CEO

The Detroit Lions announced that former linebacker Chris Spielman to join the team as Special Assistant to Chairman and President & CEO.

The Detroit Lions announced that former linebacker Chris Spielman will join the team as Special Assistant to Chairman and President & CEO.

Spielman spent eight years with the Lions after they selected him in the second round of the 1988 draft, and he led the team to NFC North (then Central) division titles and an appearance in the 1992 NFC Championship Game. He was a team captain, a Pro Bowler, and team MVP.

After Spielman’s playing career was complete, he entered broadcasting and has spent time across multiple networks including ESPN, FOX, and was the color commentator for the Lions preseason games the last seven seasons.

As this is a full-time role, Spielman will be stepping away from his current broadcasting position at FOX to immediately help Shelia Ford Hamp and Rod Wood in their search for a new general manager and head coach. He will sit in on all interviews moving forward and will go back and revisit the three internal interviews the Lions conducted last week.

“I am humbled and excited about the opportunity to be involved with the franchise that is truly a part of me,” Spielman said in a press release. “The opportunity to work with Rod Wood and every single person in the Lions organization can’t get here fast enough. To Lions fans everywhere, I will do everything in my power to help Mrs. Hamp and the Ford Family achieve their vision of something we can all be proud of.”

Bringing in a football minded advisor in Spielman, to assist business-minded Wood and new principal owner Hamp in their search is a wise move, as it will give them a trusted perspective outside of their own.

Hamp and Wood also issued statements:

Hamp: “Chris Spielman has been a tremendous ambassador for the Detroit Lions since the day he first put on a uniform as a rookie in 1988. He brings great passion for people and the game of football, and we are thrilled to have him on board to help lead our team. This position is a full-time opportunity for Chris that will allow him to work across various departments on both the football and business sides of our organization.”

Wood: “This is an exciting day for the Lions organization. The Ford Family and I look forward to working with Chris and leaning on his knowledge and advice as we take the next steps as a team. His relationship with our team and our city will serve as a strong foundation for him in helping to fortify and sustain our organization’s culture.”

Additionally, the Lions announced that Barry Sanders (former Lions Hall of Fame Running Back), Rod Graves (Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation Executive Director), Mark Hollis (Rock Ventures Vice President of Business Development) will serve as advisors in the teams search for a GM and head coach.