Steve Patterson is no longer the athletic director at the University of Texas (UT) - Austin, as he was reportedly fired Tuesday morning.

Citing an unnamed source from Houston, The Austin Statesman-American learned UT President Gregory Fenves fired Patterson and named Mike Perrin, a former linebacker for the Longhorns, the school's interim athletic director.

Gregory L. Fenves and Steve Patterson are meeting this morning, per source. UT would owe more than $5 million on guaranteed contract.

— Brian Davis (@BDavisAAS) September 15, 2015

To be clear, Texas not confirming Patterson story. Buyout negotiations going on right now, two sources said. Look for that this afternoon. — Brian Davis (@BDavisAAS) September 15, 2015

Patterson already angered UT fans and community members by raising season ticket prices for the Longhorns' two major sports: football and men's basketball. But the newspaper's source indicated the decision to fire Patterson was the result of a buildup of multiple issues.

For one, Patterson reportedly lost the confidence of the football staff, who lead the school's most important program in the athletic department. The Statesman also indicated athletic personnel did care for Patterson's cool-and-collected demeanor.

The Houston Chronicle and other publications later confirmed Fenves' decision to fire Patterson, but noted that UT has not confirmed anything. The two reportedly met Tuesday morning to discuss terms of a buyout, as Patterson is under contract through Aug. 2019.

Confirmed: Texas athletic director Steve Patterson is being replaced today. Credit to @BDavisAAS for first reporting.

— Geoff Ketchum (@gkketch) September 15, 2015

Can confirm that Steve Patterson is out as Texas athletic director, via multiple sources. First reported by @BDavisAAS and @kbohls. — Chuck Carlton (@ChuckCarltonDMN) September 15, 2015

While Patterson's hiring of head football coach Charlie Strong and head men's basketball coach Shaka Smart over the past two years were popular moves among UT fans and boosters, they were still not won over, The Chronicle reported.

For two months, UT fans and community members have been speculating that Fenves was considering firing Patterson, The Statesman noted. During that period, Fenves declined to support Patterson, but never seemed close to firing him either.

A move that was expected for some time, Fenves is expected announce Patterson's firing Tuesday. Though Mack Brown reportedly met with Fenves last week, The Statesman learned the all-time great Longhorns coach is not in consideration to be Patterson's permanent replacement.