Announcement: A heartfelt sendoff and a look ahead to the future

[hornsonfire]

It's time for a reality check here. Chip was top notch in his field before joining Geoff and OB -- unless there was some gig of which I am unaware -- and became what he is now after working with the OB staff. His hire was risky at the time, and many people said so -- hiring a highly-qualified individual in one field didn't always translate to success in the field of endeavor for which he was being hired. No one here knew the ending to this story at the time.

Now the reality is here and it came to pass that Geoff Ketchum, Orangebloods.com, and all its hard-working staff took a newspaper reporter under their collective internet wings and molded and carved out one of the best internet reporters in the business today. Take a proud bow, ladies and gentlemen. Ye have created wine from water -- okay, maybe not that far but job well done.

And to Chip, you took on a job that was an unproven commodity with an uncertain future and created a chair fit for endowment for future generations of reporters that want to follow in your footsteps, took on stories that required large brass ones to not wilt under pressure, and foraged among truth and fiction to bring Longhorn faithful your best. I thank you for that. As for Scout/Fox, well...anyway, good luck with your new position. I wish you personal health, wealth, good fortune, and large brass ones not to wilt under pressure from above and to always search for the truth -- wherever that leads you.

Hook'em!!

 

[sodiumacetate]

Originally posted by Ketchum:
The weirdest thing about this thread is easily the angst towards Lance .Z.

My man brings a charge out of some of you.

The guy is scum. You don't remember when he tweeted out that some news was going to break regarding Lyles and UT that was going to look very bad for Texas? Then he hinted numerous times that it was very ominous news. Then when it "broke" the next day and proved to be nothing significant he admitted that he was just trying to stir the pot and get UT fans riled up.

There is no excuse for that kind of behavior. None.

 

[joeywa]

Chip's departure brings about a couple of important topics for discussion.

A) Chip, please confirm that it was this picture of you that sealed the deal with Fox/Scout.

B) Have you mandated contractual terms allowing you to work alongside Charissa Thompson, Erin Andrews, Danielle Trotta & Molly McGrath? Target-rich environment IYAM.

Good luck to you in your new endeavor. While this is an unfortunate loss for OBs, I know we're all happy for your success.

Keep up the great work.

 

[Ketchum]

Originally posted by wordell1:
/blockquote> Ironically, we might soon be working together on the radio side more than ever. What a world, huh?

I'm hoping that means we will see you back on the air in Austin.
Posted from wireless.rivals.com

 

[DustinMcComas]

Originally posted by FrancoBevo:
Best wishes Chip - you're an OBer for life, don't forget that - hope you keep your account and chime in from time to time -

He has the letter jacket to prove it.

 

[aglassdarkly]

Innnnn the immmmmmortal words of ........

Chip, are you leaving the morning radio gig?
Best of luck going forward. I think about those immortal words most days. Thanks.

 

[discostu007]

Damn. This blows.
Posted from wireless.rivals.com[/URL]

 

[rjenk]

I knew Chip and Mack were connected! No more need around here without his daddy.

Best of luck!
Posted from wireless.rivals.com[/URL]

 

[ValVerdeHorn]

Why wasn't this news teased?

Vaya con Dios, Chip.

 

[McGuapo]

Meh......just kidding Chip. I given you hell on here a couple times I imagine, but that's a long line for you with the foxholes you've been in. Love your bulldog approach and willingness to jump into any dumpster. Times must and always do change....and I believe for those who strive to achieve, the change usually always turns out fine, no matter which side of the change you're on. Change can be exciting.....and I'm sure the next man or woman up will bring a new perspective we've never had for our money before. Good luck and hopefully this doesn't prohibit you from chiming in from time to time on the board.

 

[Arrogant Horn]

Originally posted by Ketchum:

Originally posted by TCUHorns:
Dammit! Well good luck to you, Chip. We will all miss your stories, you've been a great piece of OB. You've helped take OB to new heights. Drop in from time to time.

Ketch good luck with the search!

Posted from wireless.rivals.com

I have to admit that the search thus far has been kind of exciting. One national writer that everyone knows from another beat called the job was one of the best in the country. I've been surprised at the interest level thus far. Part of that is due to the work Chip has contributed in these last 6 years.

Could you be hinting at the return of Mr. Cosell and that other guy who's name now escapes me?

In all sincerity, Chip, you're all class and a great part of what has made OB. Sorry to see you go, but happy for you and the new opportunity.

 

[HornAbility]

Adios Chip. Congratulations on your new opportunity. I will miss your insight, style and professionalism here but I guess the good news is I won't be hearing you say the same stuff on the radio I'm reading here and vice versa.

 

[PA-HORN]

Sad to see you go but at the same time it is a great opportunity for you to fulfill your own dreams. OB will miss your contributions and I wish you only the best in life and your career.

 

[Suchomel]

Originally posted by Tampa 2:
Saban 2014.
It's happening!

I'm his wife's realtor!
Posted from wireless.rivals.com[/URL]

 

[PuroPincheHorns]

If you really want to piss off bellmont more, hire Pat Forde. Strong hates him.

 

[utexashorns88]

Hey Chip -

Remember when you jumped the gun a bit on November 30, 2008, saying you had received word that Texas was going to have the votes to stay ahead of OU in the polls that would mean we were going to win the tie-breaker with OU and go to the Big 12 title game and, most likely, on to the National Championship game, when I was trying to study for one of my law school finals?

Well, I suppose in your time of departure that enough time has passed between then and now for me to forgive you.




And by forgive, I mean remind you that you really tried to pull one over on me that night. #neverforget



All kidding aside, best of luck and Godspeed, Sex Panther. Your 60% of the time was worth reading 100% of the time.

Cheers.





This post was edited on 4/23 1:34 PM by utexashorns88

This post was edited on 4/23 1:36 PM by utexashorns88

 

[drunk randoke]

Thanks for the memories Chip!

Ketch, you better hit a home run here with the new hire.

 

[mulligan30]

Originally posted by ChipBrown:


OB will always be Wal-Mart.

Chip with the parting shot.

 

[LongTimeHorn63]

Wow....just wow. Good for him, but sucks a big bad o'D for us. I have read/followed Chip since his DMN days. He was a big reason I joined this site. HUGE shoes to fill. No knock against other staff writers, but Chip was the man. A great deal of credibility is walking. No better guy to have had around when the conference and coaching shake ups happened.

I don't see how they are going to find someone even close with his level of contacts.

Good luck!

 

[ChipBrown]

Originally posted by hilltophorn:
Come on down Coach Walker.
Posted from wireless.rivals.com

His OB career is so underrated.

 

[Ketchum]

Originally posted by utexashorns88:
Hey Chip -

Remember when you jumped the gun a bit on November 30, 2008, saying you had received word that Texas was going to have the votes to stay ahead of OU in the polls that would mean we were going to win the tie-breaker with OU and go to the Big 12 title game and, most likely, on to the National Championship game, when I was trying to study for one of my law school finals?

Well, I suppose in your time of departure that enough time has passed between then and now for me to forgive you.

And by forgive, I mean remind you that you really tried to pull one over on me that night. #neverforget

All kidding aside, best of luck and Godspeed, Sex Panther. Your 60% of the time was worth reading 100% of the time.

Cheers.

I was waiting for this one. It's his "It's Austin."

 

[Ketchum]

Originally posted by ChipBrown:

Originally posted by hilltophorn:
Come on down Coach Walker.
Posted from wireless.rivals.com

His OB career is so underrated.

 

[rohde8195]

This is rough. Chip was why I came and stayed with OB. I think a big name is possible but hoe do you replace the connections. Sources are the key.
Posted from wireless.rivals.com[/URL]

 

[TaskForce60]

Sux
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[styrbjorn]

Knew it was only a matter of time until Chip took his talents to the next level. Congrats and best of luck, Chip!

 

[paidinfull23]

Originally posted by rohde8195:
This is rough. Chip was why I came and stayed with OB. I think a big name is possible but hoe do you replace the connections. Sources are the key.
Posted from wireless.rivals.com

Brian Davis would be a good addition. Not sure if he'd have the time or interest for us.

 

[ChipBrown]

Originally posted by mulligan30:
Dang, Chip leaves and you all turn into a bunch of homos.

Seriously, Chip you'll be missed on here(no homo). You took a lot of abuse at times and always handled it with well. What's ironic, you'll probably get less abuse now that you're leaving.
This post was edited on 4/23 11:08 AM by mulligan30

Ain't that a %#?#%!

 

[BFantana]

I still laugh thinking about Chip peppering Mack with questions about Diaz after the infamous BYU game, only to have Mack finally ask the audience if anyone besides Chip has a question.

 

[ChipBrown]

Originally posted by sendero95:

Ketch bringing in someone with resume as impressive as Chip solidified OBs place atop their peers IMO. Seeing the development of the young staffers like Dustin and Taylor says a lot about the level of talent running our community which included Chip. I have little doubt that Ketch is contemplating something allsome and that Chip will continue his rise in the industry.

Good luck to Chip and Ketch & Co.

Agreed. Here, here!

 

[DiehardHorn1988]

Sad to see Chip move on.

Best of luck with your next endeavor.

 

[Pauln722]

Chip-Thanks for keeping us informed of the Potential Big Moves in the UT universe the last few years. Thanks for letting us know what you knew; especially concerning conference changes and coaching changes.
Ketch--Great Bosses give their employees the freedom to grow. When it's time for them to 'fly away', you 'Opened the Birdcage', rather than bolted it shut. WHO wouldn't want to work for you!

HOOK 'EM HORNS!

 

[aglassdarkly]

Chip are you leaving the morning radio gig? I would miss those immmmmmortal words ....

 

[Ketchum]

Originally posted by styrbjorn:
Knew it was only a matter of time until Chip took his talents to the next level. Congrats and best of luck, Chip!

I would argue not next level, just a different kind of level.

The position at OB is next level.

 

[DustinMcComas]

Originally posted by randoke:
Thanks for the memories Chip!

Ketch, you better hit a home run here with the new hire.

Good thing for Ketch is he's a lot more like Miguel Cabrera than he is Ryan Howard.
Posted from wireless.rivals.com[/URL]

 

[Great Hills Horn]

We are going to miss you Chip. Best of luck in your new endeavor.