After 16 years, 158 wins, 6 conference division titles, one conference championships and one national title, Mack Brown has officially stepped down as the head coach of the University of Texas. There were rumors swirling earlier in the week after Orangebloods.com reported that he would step down. However, on Thursday, shortly after news broke that Saban signed an extension with Alabama, it was released that Brown stated he would not be resigning.

Then today, Brown released this statement:

"Sally and I were brought to Texas 16 years ago to pull together a football program that was divided. With a lot of passion, hard work and determination from the kids, coaches and staff, we did that. We built a strong football family, reached great heights and accomplished a lot, and for that, I thank everyone. It's been a wonderful ride.

Now, the program is again being pulled in different directions, and I think the time is right for a change. I love The University of Texas, all of its supporters, the great fans and everyone that played and coached here. I can't thank DeLoss Dodds enough for bringing our family here, and Bill Powers and the administration for supporting us at a place where I have made lifelong friendships.

It is the best coaching job and the premier football program in America. I sincerely want it to get back to the top and that's why I am stepping down after the bowl game. I hope with some new energy, we can get this thing rolling again."

It will be tough to replace Brown. While his success recently has not lived up to the standards of the school, he did bring the last national title not won by an SEC team. 

But now, the hunt for the new head coach for the Longhorns officially begins, and they aren’t low profile names by any means. Names like Jim Harbaugh, Jimbo Fisher, Art Briles and Jim Mora, Jr. have been mentioned at one point or another as potential targets. Unfortunately, there is a smaller chance of getting Harbaugh than there was of getting Saban, and the other three recently signed extensions with their respective schools. However, Briles likely could still be an option.

Other potential names include Vanderbilt coach James Franklin, Stanford coach David Shaw, and a darkhorse name could be Florida coach Will Muschamp, who was the defensive coordinator and the “head coach-in-waiting” at Texas before taking the job with the Gators. Muschamp had a rough season with the Gators, failing to post a winning record, and is certainly on the hot seat, so going back to Texas could be a possibility.