When Tom Herman was hired as the head coach of the University of Texas, a familiar face was in the room to welcome him to Austin. Former head coach Mack Brown returned to the place he once called home to show support for the Longhorns' new leader, who he had a long-standing relationship with prior to Herman's arrival in 2016. And since then, Brown has continued to make his presence felt on the 40-Acre campus. Herman has remained in touch with Brown since he first coached under him as a graduate assistant. And Herman has never forgotten where he came from, when Brown gave him his start in the college football coaching world.

"He gave me my start," Herman said on the Jim Rome Show. "I was a graduate assistant for Coach Brown back in 1999 and 2000, I was breaking down film and running the scout team. I learned so much in those two years with him. To have him around, I consider him a mentor."

Brown's presence on campus was more of a return to his home. The former head coach kept his distance from Texas after he stepped down as head coach in 2013, and the Longhorns hired now USF head coach Charlie Strong. Brown made it a point not to comment about the Longhorns once he entered the broadcasting arena as a color analyst for ESPN college football, out of respect for Strong. But with his former GA leading the Longhorns, Brown has offered up support for Herman, and had done so even prior to his arrival at Texas.

"I've stayed in touch with him my entire career, and to have him around is a tremendous sounding board," Herman said. "16 years at the University of Texas, 10-straight years with 10 wins or more, a national championship, college football hall of fame, you name it, the man has done it, and he has done it at Texas. If something comes up and I need advice, he's the first person I call."

During his time as a graduate assistant, Herman witnessed the beginning of what would become a legendary run in Texas Football history. The Longhorns were coming off of Brown's first season coaching at Texas, which resulted in a 9-3 record and the Longhorns' first Heisman Trophy winner since Earl Campbell in 1977. In fact, Herman's initial week on the job happened soon after the 1999 Cotton Bowl game, where Ricky Williams made Cotton Bowl history and rushed for 203 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-11 win over Mississippi State. Herman's first encounter with the Heisman winner was when he was asked to essentially play body guard for Williams.

"One of my earliest memories as a GA was when I was about a week on the job and they threw me on the back of a float in a parade for the Cotton Bowl victory and Ricky winning the Heisman," Herman said. "I was right behind Ricky Williams and they said 'Don't let anyone touch him.' Ricky Williams was actually the first person who taught me the Hook 'Em Horns sign."

Though Herman's first year at Texas ended with a 7-6 record, many believe the Longhorns are on the cusp of making a return to college football dominance. And the head coach could only hope he will find the success similar to what his mentor was able to accomplish at Texas.

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