TEMPE, Ariz. -- Running backs coach Larry Porter is leaving Arizona State to accept a similar position at Texas.
The move, which was first reported by FootballScoop.com, was announced Wednesday by Texas coach Mack Brown. It will give Porter his third job in three seasons and leave ASU without one of its best recruiters.
"We are very excited to have Larry Porter joining our staff," Brown said. "He brings a wealth of experience and has a reputation as one of the best coaches and recruiters in our game."
Porter was head coach at his alma mater Memphis for two seasons prior to coming to ASU. He has been recognized nationally for his recruiting prowess and has a strong track record for recruiting Texas.
"I'm just really excited to be joining what I think is the best program in the country," Porter said via news release. "Having the opportunity to work under a man like Coach Brown, who I look at as a legend in college football, is an honor and a privilege. He has done so much for college football and is so well respected. I’m thrilled to be joining his staff and to be a part of a program that I’ve had such great admiration for.
"The future of Texas football is very bright and being able to work with Coach Brown and so many guys I’ve known and worked with before is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. My family and I are really excited and looking forward to getting started."
Porter played a significant role in the development of freshman D.J. Foster and junior Marion Grice at ASU. The Sun Devils ranked 24th nationally in rushing, with 205.31 yards per game, their best total since 1996.
In a recent interview with FOXSportsArizona.com, Porter discussed learning as a coach from his two years at Memphis, where he was fired after compiling a 3-21 record, and how he was working to create another opportunity for himself to run a program.
"I'm a better coach now than I was before I took that job (at Memphis)," Porter said. "So now it's about continuing to grow, it's about re-creating myself and hopefully earning the opportunity to get another shot at being a head coach.
"I'm working my butt off to create another opportunity for Larry Porter."
