Title/Alt Text Less than four months after Texas inserted Mike Perrin in an interim role as its men’s athletic director, the University is strongly considering removing his interim tag and adding two years to his contract, according to a source close to the situation.

Officially announced as athletic director on Sept. 15 with a one-year deal, Perrin replaced Steve Patterson after the embattled AD resigned following a turbulent 22-month tenure.

Since Perrin took over, he’s done a lot to repair the relationships with alumni and key donors that Patterson may have alienated. Perrin also stepped in and helped negotiate the parameters of Texas’ record-setting 15-year, $250 million apparel deal with Nike.

One of Perrin's top priorities has been filling up Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium on gameday as the team endures one of its worst campaigns of the last half century. Last week, Perrin announced prices for season ticket holders would hold steady for the next two seasons.

Texas’ coaches are complementary of Perrin. Football coach Charlie Strong, particularly, is vocal in his support of Texas' interim AD. Despite the Longhorns' 4-7 record this season, Perrin recently gave Strong a full vote of confidence, which helped to quell rumors about Strong's job status at both Texas and in terms of him leaving for Miami.

"Mike is and unbelievable person,” Strong said last Monday. “He's going to do a great job. He has that leadership ability where he can get things done. We have a relationship, and he understands the football side of it. He understands it's all about people, it's all about relationships. He's a people person.”

In many ways, in terms of persona, Perrin is Patterson’s antithesis.

Where Patterson was criticized for being aloof and brusque in his interaction with alumni and boosters, Perrin is the opposite. A former Texas football player – he played under Darrell Royal in the ‘60s – Perrin is quick to smile and sources have told Horns247 he’s been much more active in reaching out to alumni and building relationships.

Texas president Gregory Fenves had this to say about Perrin, a Houston-area trial lawyer, when Fenves introduced Perrin in September:

“Mike has sat in every seat at this University. He’s been a student, an athlete and a letterman,” Fenves said. My goal as president is to continue the strong tradition of Texas Athletics. … I'm absolutely confident Mike Perrin will continue that strong tradition of supporting our student athletes and as the front door of the University for Longhorn nation."

Chris Hummer contributed to this report