The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Special Assistant Mike Perrin
Mike Perrin currently serves Texas Athletics as a Special Assistant to Chris Del Conte. Perrin returned to his college alma mater to assume leadership duties as the interim Men’s Athletics Director at The University of Texas in September 2015. University of Texas president Greg Fenves installed Perrin as Texas' permanent men's athletics director in December 2015, where he served until Del Conte's hiring in December 2017.
Perrin earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics (1969) and a law degree (1971) from UT Austin, where he was a Texas Football letterman under legendary Coach Darrell K Royal.
"Mike, a devoted Longhorn and respected Texan, has worked throughout his career to make the university a better place and is highly qualified to do so again in this new role," said UT Austin President Gregory L. Fenves.
Perrin gained prominence as a partner in multiple Houston law firms and currently owns Michael W. Perrin PLLC. He served on UT Austin's Council for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and led fundraising campaigns at the law school. He received the university’s Presidential Citation, and in 2010 was inducted into the Men’s Hall of Honor – Texas Athletics’ highest recognition.
“I’m honored to be asked by President Fenves to serve as interim men’s athletic director. I will focus on helping the university find the best fit in a future director while listening to all the needs of the Longhorn family," said Perrin. “As a former UT student-athlete, long-time fan and volunteer with Texas Athletics, I’ve worked closely with faculty, students, alumni, coaches and administrators. I will continue to do so in an effort to bring the Longhorn nation together."
Perrin was a starting linebacker on the 1968 Texas Football team that began the 30-game winning streak that still stands as one of the longest in the modern era of the NCAA, as well as the longest in UT school history. A great example of the student-athlete, Perrin was named to several All-SWC teams on the field, and earned honors as one of the nation's top student athletes off of it. Following the 1968 season, he was chosen as one of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame's Scholar-Athlete Award recipient along with post-graduate scholarship winners. He lettered three years as a defensive end and linebacker, and earned numerous accolades for his overall success in campus life. In addition to his athletics achievements, he was a leader of the Texas Cowboys service organization and a member of the Friar Society.
Throughout his career, he has remained active in an advisory role to both Texas Athletics and campus academic endeavors.
Perrin and his wife Melinda have three children – Elizabeth Eades, Carter and Hunter – and six grandchildren.