A Texas Longhorns flag proudly waves from my house on game days. So Jim Schlossnagle’s unexpected move to Austin–especially coming as it did within hours of the Aggie’s final out in the College World Series–should have me celebrating. I am, but I must also admit to having conflicted feelings.
I should be reveling in Aggie fans’ tears after losing their baseball coach, Jim Schlossnagle, to our beloved Longhorns program. Instead, I’m grappling with a sense of unease. Schlossnagle’s departure from Texas A&M in the dead of night brings to mind two recent (and sudden) football coaching exits–Lane Kiffin from Tennessee to Ole’ Miss and Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma to Southern Cal.
Texas has undoubtedly secured a fantastic baseball coach, but I’m left wondering about his commitment to the Longhorns.
Schlossnagle’s interaction with a reporter at the post-game press conference after the World Series game was particularly troubling. The coach came off as rude and dismissive, creating a tense atmosphere that marred what should have been a season-reflecting moment. Schlossnagle later apologized when he was introduced as the Texas baseball coach.
As a fan, this leaves me excited for the future, on the one hand, and cautiously apprehensive about the coach’s long-term dedication. But there’s also more to my feelings. Knowing we’ve won over our biggest in-state rival, the pesky A&M Aggies, gives me a sense of triumph.
Texas coming out on top in this rivalry feels like a win for our fans, even if there are some reservations about our new coach. So, with my passion for the Longhorns, remaining strong, as always, Hook ’em Horns!
