UT-Arlington (UTA), not to be confused with UT-San Antonio (UTSA), has not fielded a football team since 1985.

However, the school has been working to get a squad back on the gridiron, and was eyeing a big-name hire earlier this year.

According to a report from SportsDay, UTA had been in talks with Les Miles back in March about relaunching the football program:

In March, Miles met with an Austin-based construction and design studio company about plays for a new football facility at UTA, according to emails obtained through an open records request. It was during the same time that UTA explored the feasibility of fielding the university’s first football team since 1985.

Miles, one of college football’s most recognizable names, was introduced as Kansas’ next coach on Nov. 18. Before he and the Jayhawks agreed to a deal, records show he was involved in UTA’s recent exploration of bringing back its football program.

Obviously, Miles eventually ended up at Kansas. It’s not often you get to say that Kansas is the more-attractive offer, but compared to launching a new football program, Lawrence won out.

Still, it’s interesting to wonder how much longer UTA would have had to wait until Miles decided it was his best option.