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With so much speculation on the future of Texas athletics, it seems that now is the perfect time to subscribe to paywall sites and read the gossip about what is going on behind closed doors. Each paywall site is searching for the upper hand in terms of gossip accuracy and timing. Well, here at BON, we have yet to throw our hat into the speculation ring...until now.
Recently, I sent a mass email to employees at the Texas athletic department in hopes of finding a mole that could deliver interesting gossip for our site. Surprisingly, almost everyone replied positively to my request. They even offered football tickets at a discounted rate for expedited publication. Suffice it to say, we're in the green here. To protect the identity of Alex, the volunteer, he has opted to contribute to the site under the username: BelmontMole27-25. Below is a transcript of our conversation, as well as some interesting emails unearthed from the Bellmont server.
BM: Hello all.
Out of sheer curiosity, I filed a couple of FOIA requests to see if I could pull anything interesting out of Bellmont. It was an exercise of amusement, but I was able to obtain some interesting emails. Included in this post is a conversation between Bill Little and Mack Brown. I have decided to share it below. The emails are timestamped September 15.
To: coachmackbrownUT41-38@utexas.edu
From: blittle@utexas.edu
Subject: Final ApprovalHey Coach,
Just finished my piece on the Ole Miss game and thought I'd send it over in case you wanted anything changed. I know you're probably busy watching Kansas State film and if so I'll just edit it myself and publish this afternoon.
Bill
To: blittle@utexas.edu
From: coachmackbrownUT41-38@utexas.edu
RE: Subject: Final Approval
Don't do that. Send it this way. I've got time.
MBTF
To: coachmackbrownUT41-38@utexas.eduFrom: blittle@utexas.eduRE: Subject: Final ApprovalI've attached it below.Bill
To: blittle@utexas.eduFrom: coachmackbrownUT41-38@utexas.eduRE: Subject: Final ApprovalBill,
I've attached the piece back with some edits. You had a few comma splices in paragraph five as well as paragraph nine. Don't forget the rules of semi-colon use (we've talked about this.) I also reworded Coach Freeze's quote a little bit. I hope you understand that it is important for the program to get these pieces right. Thanks.
MBTF
To: coachmackbrownUT41-38@utexas.eduFrom: blittle@utexas.eduRE: Subject: Final ApprovalI'm a little uncomfortable with that Coach. I do not want to compromise the journalistic integrity of TexasSports.com. I would rather leave the quote as is.Bill.
To: blittle@utexas.eduFrom: coachmackbrownUT41-38@utexas.educc: delossdodds@utexas.eduRE: Subject: Final ApprovalMind sending me that message again.MBTF
To: coachmackbrownUT41-38@utexas.eduFrom: blittle@utexas.educc: delossdodds@utexas.eduRE: Subject: Final ApprovalNevermind. I hope you have a good day at practice. Hook'em Horns. By the way, tell Mrs. Brown I very much enjoyed the baked goods she sent over last week.
Bill
To: blittle@utexas.eduFrom: coachmackbrownUT41-38@utexas.educc: delossdodds@utexas.eduRE: Subject: Final ApprovalThey aren't good cookies. They're great cookies.Hook'emMBTF
To: blittle@utexas.edu, coachbrownUT41-38@utexas.edu
From: delossdodds@utexas.edu
Subject: FWD: FWD: FWD: FWD: FWD: FWD: FWD: FWD: THIS AMAZING VIDEO OF TWO KITTENS TICKLING EACH OTHER IS A MUST WATCH
Check this out ur gona like this. deloss.
Read into this what you will, but it's pretty telling stuff in my opinion. I've filed a few more FOIA's and hopefully I'll be able to pass along more vital information in the near future.
Tidbit Central:
(Editor's note: This is the section where I relay the transcript of my conversation with our insider. Below is everything we talked about during this very hectic time on the 40 acres.)
CS: Thanks for stopping by BON today. I am sure you're very busy with so much going on in Bellmont.
BM: You could say that.
CS: Let's get started. The talk of a new head football coach has been in the works for a while now, what do you think the timetable is on hiring a new leader for the program?
BM: Best guess? They will need to bring in somebody by August of next year. The 2014 football season starts in August. I would say look for somebody new around August. If you see all the same faces, it's likely that there were no changes made. Or maybe Texas opted not to hire anyone at all.
CS: We've heard the speculation about Saban to Texas so often that many will be surprised if he does not end up as the head coach next season. What do you think about all of this?
BM: It's all very interesting.
CS: Would you like to elaborate?
BM: I would not.
CS: With so many potential coaches out there, who do you see as a good fit? Also, who do you believe is a name that Texas would probably shy away from?
BM: Mack Brown tends to be my best guess. I assume it would be a good idea to have a wild card, I think my wild card pick would be Major Applewhite. I can officially rule out (via sources) any former head coach returning to Austin. That means Mackovic and McWilliams are SOL. I've also been told that big money donors do not believe that Rice head coach David Bailiff would be a good fit. This is all speculatory, of course, but I'd double down on Bailiff not being offered the job, gun to my head.
CS: Would you consider Bellmont efficient?
BM: It depends what you mean by efficient.
CS: Efficient, as in its most simplified dictionary definition.
BM: I am not following. I don't believe that a simple word can describe something as complex as the Texas Athletic Department. I'll just leave it at that.
CS: Have you heard the name Gus Malzahn being tossed around by big money donors?
BM: I've heard a lot of names thrown in the mix. One name that keeps butting it's head into the conversation is Mack Brown. You didn't hear it from me but it is quite possible that an extension is in play here. All of the public outcry about mediocrity will likely be used as leverage.
CS: Thank you for your time.
BM: You, as well.
Stay tuned to BON for more updates from our exclusive insider with all the knowledge on what's happening in Bellmont.