Sources: Mack Brown set to resign

— -- Texas coach Mack Brown is expected to resign by the end of the week, according to a source.

"I know Mack, he's a friend, this is his decision, but he wants to tell his players and staff and not read it on the Internet," the source told ESPN. "That's why he reacted strongly to the [Orangebloods.com] report.

"I'd be real surprised if it hasn't happened by Friday night with the [Texas] football banquet. I think it will be taken care of. It wouldn't drag on much longer."

Orangebloods.com first reported Tuesday afternoon that Brown would step down after 16 years as the Longhorns' coach.

Later Tuesday, Brown texted the website Horns247: "I haven't seen [the] article. I'm in Florida recruiting. If I had decided to step down, I sure wouldn't be killing myself down here. I have not decided to step down."

On Wednesday morning a source said that "there's nothing new today. I am expecting that Friday will be the day (of Brown's announcement)."

The source said Tuesday, though, that discussions have been ongoing with Brown, Texas president Bill Powers and Brown's agent, Joe Jamail.

"The talks were very friendly, and the conclusion was Mack would step down in the next couple of days," the source told ESPN.

However, the source said Jamail is participating in a trial in Beaumont, Texas, which has slowed the process, and that there are a "lot of logistics" to work out.

"Such as when he leaves, what his role will be," the source said. "A myriad of things that have to be worked out."

The source reiterated Brown would not be coaching at Texas in 2014.

"By the end of the week, that will be the outcome," the source told ESPN. "That will happen. It's a shame after 16 years he's not able to do it on his own with dignity and grace."

Another source told ESPN's Joe Schad that Brown has had active discussions with Texas officials about his intention to resign and that there is a good chance it will become official this week.

In a statement, athletic director Steve Patterson said: "We continue to discuss the future of Texas football. Mack Brown has not resigned. And, no decisions have been made."

While nothing officially has been announced regarding Brown's future with the Longhorns, Texas already has a short list of candidates to replace him and it includes San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, sources told ESPN Senior NFL Insider Chris Mortensen.

No talks have occurred between Harbaugh and the school, sources told Mortensen, and no proposals have been exchanged.

Harbaugh on Wednesday declined comment on reports he was on Texas' list.

Earlier this season, Harbaugh rejected USC's interest in him as its head coach and he is expected to do the same with Texas, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Brown, who was in Florida recruiting Tuesday, remained in the Sunshine State on Wednesday to visit with Plant High School linebacker Andrew Beck in Tampa.

Plant coach Robert Weiner said Brown and Texas defensive coordinator Greg Robinson met at the high school with Beck, who has verbally committed to the Longhorns.

"Coach [Brown] was full force ahead on recruiting and coaching," Weiner said. "Excellent visit with them. And Andrew feels great about it [his commitment to Texas]."