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Mack Brown’s position in the Texas athletic department is for one year

Could Mack Brown be coaching in 2015 or 2016? It's possible, especially given the structure of his severance package with Texas.

After announcing his resignation in December, Brown agreed on the severance with the school on Wednesday. He'll be paid $2.75 million, which would have been owed to him had Texas fired him.

When the resignation happened, it was termed a "mutual" decision. As part of Brown leaving his post as coach, he was given a job in the athletic department. However, it's a one-year deal that will pay him $500,000 after Wednesday's agreement. Per the terms of his coaching contract, he was tied to the Longhorns through 2020.

It's a good move for both the university and for Brown. If Charlie Strong struggles succeeding Brown, having the former coach looming over his shoulder for a few years wouldn't be the best idea. Sure, many Texas fans wanted Brown out before he resigned, but we all know how fickle fanbases can be. It wouldn't be incredibly farfetched if a groundswell for Brown started.

This way, Strong can be independent of the previous regime starting in 2015.

Brown is only two months older than Nick Saban, and there will always be a market for a former-national-title-winning coach. Heck, that was evident when it was reported that Nebraska officials had reached out to Brown before the 2013 season was over. (The Cornhuskers quickly denied the report.)

If Brown wants to coach again, this deal will let him.

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Nick Bromberg

is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!