[5] In 1912, Rix became the head basketball coach at Texas, replacing W. E. Metzenthin, who had moved into the position of athletic director.

[6] According to the student yearbook, the Cactus, he "took hold of the squad when it found itself without a leader and quickly demonstrated his ability to transform it into a quintet that was as good as any in the state.

[2][7] After a 30–7 loss to Notre Dame in 1913, Rix wrote in The Alcalde, "I was asked to criticize the playing of our team in this game.

As it is, there is no necessity for it, for our men themselves, you may be assured, are criticizing themselves with a self-analysis, and sincerity and effectiveness that will do more for the development of football in Texas than a whole season of ordinary games.

[11][12] In 1929, Rix became the second head football coach at the University of Miami after a group of local businessmen financially backed the school.