Jan. 17, 2011
Longhorns defensive backs coach Duane Akina has resigned from his position at Texas, and an announcement is expected tomorrow that he will accept a similar role at the University of Arizona, Mack Brown confirmed Monday. Akina spent 14 years coaching at Arizona before joining the Texas staff in 2001. Below are comments regarding the move from Akina and Brown.
Duane Akina:
"We've been talking about getting back there (the West Coast) over the years, but it never seemed to be the right time. When this opportunity came up, I felt like the window was there and that it was the right fit. It's been a great 10 years at Texas. I've met so many great fans and people through this program that I'll always appreciate the time I had here, but going back to Arizona was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. It allows me to get closer to a lot of friends and family and to hopefully help a program that has been such a big part of my life in any little way I can."
"I have to thank DeLoss (Dodds) and Mack (Brown). They have been so good to me and my family. Everyone at Texas does things first class and it's a place I'm so excited that I can always say I was a part of. I really appreciate the opportunity I've had to work with so many great coaches here. I've learned so much football and they all have helped me improve my game as a secondary coach. I've been so fortunate to be around so many great players here and to work with a lot terrific young men. The guys have all had a tremendous impact on me. Those are the toughest things about leaving as a coach – the attachments you have to the guys. It's really difficult when you think about leaving with all of the great times and the fond memories you have. I'll miss all of the guys, but I know Texas will continue to have success."
"I poured so much blood into the Arizona program the first time around and we got so close to where we wanted to go that I'm excited about heading back there. It's a great place where, like Texas, I have a lot of wonderful memories and have worked with so many tremendous players and people. I think the Arizona program is on the way back and felt the timing was right to head back and finish the chapter there."
Mack Brown:
"I want to thank Duane for all of the great things he and his family have done for Texas. He did a tremendous job developing our defensive backs, working with our special teams and helping us have a great deal of success over the past 10 years. He's helped players become all-conference, All-America, and Thorpe Award winners and gave a lot to this program. He will be missed, but he is excited about his new opportunity at Arizona, where he has strong roots and can be closer to family."
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