Texas Longhorns' Vic Schaefer Shares Heartfelt Reaction to Jay Hartzell News

"Jay Hartzell's leaving? When did that happen," Schaefer said. "(It was) while I was in practice, I need to check and see if he called me to ask me my opinion."

Take a look at the video

Hartzell put an emphasis on athletics, working with athletic director Chris Del Conte to hire Schaefer, football coach Steve Sarkisian and swim coach Bob Bowman. He also was the president who pushed for Texas to join the SEC.

Schaefer took the time to talk about his relationship with Hartzell, stating how much he's appreciated his leadership.

"I've worked for some really good presidents, he's the best, I love that guy," Schaefer said. "I did not know that that happened, I'm certainly happy for him because I think he is a great man and he's the best. They hit a home run at SMU, that's what they did. I'm sure we'll get somebody good, but man, what a home run for SMU."

In his statement sent out to students, Hartzell did not say why he is leaving, just that he is following his own adivce.

"When students ask for advice, I typically respond thematically: Follow your passions, take some chances, stretch outside your comfort zone, and think of how you would like to make an impact," Hartzell said in a letter to students.

He will finish out the semester with the University of Texas before making the move up I-35 to start as Southern Methodist University's president on June 1.