In a move that’s been quietly expected for some time, Tom Herman and the Texas Longhorns officially welcomed a Shipley back to the Forty Acres, as Bob Shipley, the father of Longhorn greats Jordan and Jaxon, has been added to Herman’s staff as the director of high school relations.

"I was really excited when Coach Herman called, I had never met him before," Shipley said in a statement. "When I came up and visited with him, the passion he had was really obvious. The plan he set out to me and the staff he has put together are both incredible. It's funny, you work your whole life trying to force things to happen that you'd like to happen, and this is something that he just called me out of the blue, and it's my dream job. That rarely happens in life. It wasn't a decision I had to think about very long."

I'm incredibly excited to join @CoachTomHerman & his staff. Hang on folks, this is going to be an incredible era @TexasFootball! #revolUTion — Bob Shipley (@RobertShipley2) March 3, 2017

"We're so lucky to have Bob joining our staff," Herman said. "He's obviously well known here, but also is highly respected in the high school communities across this state and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our director of high school relations position. He's a guy I've known about and respected for a long time, and he will be an invaluable resource for our program. We're thrilled to have him on board."

Prior to re-joining the Longhorns staff after a brief stint as an analyst for the 2013 season, Shipley was once again among the high school ranks, in which he served as the head coach and athletic director of Belton High School.

In total, Shipley has compiled 17 years as a high school coach at various stops throughout Texas.

"I started coaching over 32 years ago, and I've met a lot of incredible coaches," Shipley said. "I've developed great friendships and great relationships and respect for what they do. What they do for the youth of this state is immeasurable. I also love The University of Texas. I have a lot of passion for this program, this school and what it's done for my family. My two loves are University of Texas football and Texas high school football, so to be able to blend those together and be an ambassador for Coach Herman, this program and The University to the high school coaches throughout the state and the country, it's going to be a lot of fun for me."

A household name in the state with tremendous ties and relationships, Shipley looks well on his way to becoming a critical hire for Herman in what’s becoming an increasingly competitive recruiting landscape.