University of Illinois coach John Mackovic has been hired as head football coach at the University of Texas, according to published reports.
The Austin American-Statesman reported that the university will announce the hiring at a news conference today. The same report appeared today in the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times.Final details of the contract have yet to be ironed out, but a source in Illinois said Texas offered a five-year package worth $3 million - $600,000 annually plus additional unspecified perks.
Sources in the Texas athletic department said Mackovic agreed in principle during negotiations Wednesday night.
He could not be reached for comment late Wednesday. Mackovic met with Texas president William Cunningham, Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds and former Texas coach Darrell Royal near Chicago on Wednesday. Dodds and Cunningham could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.
The coach then revealed his decision to Illinois president Stanley Ikenberry and chancellor Morton Weir Wednesday night.