Steve Patterson, Texas Reportedly Reach Settlement: Latest Details and Reaction

Steve Patterson isn't leaving the University of Texas empty-handed. According to Chip Brown of Horns Digest, the former athletic director agreed to a settlement with the school that could pay him $2.8 million, roughly half of what was left on his original contract.

Patterson is guaranteed to see at least $1.4 million of the settlement, and the second half will be paid out in full or in part depending on whether he remains without a job in 12 months.    

Patterson resigned as athletic director last week among heavy pressure from Longhorn fans and donors.

"He just put us through hell," a source told ESPN's Mark Schlabach regarding the former AD. "I've had the worst year of my life. Some of the happiest people in town are the spouses of employees. He made a lot of good people miserable."

ESPN's Bomani Jones highlighted this passage from Schlabach's to illustrate just how toxic Patterson's relationship had apparently become with head football coach Charlie Strong:

CBSSports.com's Gary Parrish remained dumbfounded as to how Patterson ever landed his job in Austin, Texas:

With Patterson's settlement out of the way, the Longhorns can focus all of their attention on finding a new athletic director. CBSSports.com's Dennis Dodd reported on Sept. 16 that Oliver Luck, who works for the NCAA, is among the contenders for the job. Dodd also included Greg Byrne, Mark Hollis, Scott Stricklin and Tom Jurich, all of whom are athletic directors at other major college programs.

Given the amount of money generated by Texas athletics, it will be important for the school to find the right man or woman for the job. The Longhorns can ill afford to whiff once again with regard to their AD.