Red McCombs Apologizes to Coach Strong for Comments

University of Texas donor and billionaire Red McCombs apologized Thursday for his criticism of the athletic department’s hiring of Charlie Strong as the new head football coach.

Backing down from statements he made earlier this week, McCombs told the San Antonio Express News that he phoned Strong to apologize and offer his support.

“He wanted my help and my support,” McCombs said. “I told him I’d be happy to do it.”

Strong told McCombs that an apology wasn’t necessary.

Nonetheless, McCombs’ apology shows a sense of solidarity between the University, its boosters, and the new head coach that many questioned earlier this week.

McCombs, whose name appears in many places around the UT campus, made headlines earlier this week when he told the San Antonio Express news that he was surprised by the choice of Strong for head coach. McCombs went on to say that the hiring was “a kick in the face” and suggested that the coach would “make a great position coach, maybe a coordinator.”

According to the article published by the San Antonio Express News, McCombs said he was bothered by the perception that many felt his comments were racially motivated.

McCombs, who previously owned the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Vikings, has a long history of hiring blacks as head coaches and general managers of his organizations. One of whom, John Lucas, offered to speak up for McCombs.

In light of this news, it appears everyone at the University, from boosters to the athletic department, are 100 percent behind Texas’ new coach.