Texas rehires trusted media relations staffer fired by Steve Patterson

The University of Texas has rehired John Bianco as the school’s sports information director for football, it announced Monday.

The University of Texas has rehired John Bianco as the school’s sports information director for football, it announced Monday.

Bianco was fired by former Texas athletic director Steve Patterson in June after 23 years with the school. Bianco had been trusted by head coach Charlie Strong and Patterson did not consult Strong before making the move, Chip Brown of Horns Digest reported. 

Patterson was fired last month after fewer than two years on the job. He reportedly had poor relationships with Strong and men’s basketball coach Shaka Smart, as well as with prominent Longhorns boosters. Patterson’s decision to fire Bianco was seen as evidence of that divide. In a statement announcing Bianco’s return, interim AD Mike Perrin said “John has vast experience and a high level of mutual trust with the coaching staff.”

Bianco tweeted a photo with his family after the announcement was made.

It's good to be home! #HookEm pic.twitter.com/GN4Xh3N7Fj

— John Bianco (@UT_Bianco) October 26, 2015

Scott McConnell, the SID for men’s basketball, had been in charge of media relations for the football team on an interim basis.

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