Following his dismissal from the Texas Longhorns, Rodney Terry makes an official statement.

Rodney Terry has officially spoken out following his departure as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns men’s basketball program. In an emotional statement, Terry expressed gratitude for his time with the team and the opportunities he had during his tenure at the University of Texas.

Terry’s Statement: A Gracious Goodbye

“I am so appreciative to have served The University of Texas and our men’s basketball program for 13 seasons,” Terry said. “It was a dream of mine to be the head coach of the Longhorns, and I’ve been able to live that dream. I want to thank all of our coaches and current and former players who not only helped us win a lot of games but more importantly represented this great university in a first-class manner. Thank you to Longhorn Nation, our student section ‘The Corral,’ and all of our wonderful donors and supporters who have been consistently great to me and our program. I’ll forever be a Longhorn.”

A Career Spanning Over a Decade at Texas

Rodney Terry’s relationship with the University of Texas dates back to the early 2000s. He initially served as an assistant coach from 2002 to 2011 under then-head coach Rick Barnes. During this period, he played a crucial role in recruiting top-tier talent, including future NBA stars like Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Tristan Thompson.

His contributions were instrumental in Texas’ deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, including reaching the Final Four in 2003 and multiple Elite Eight appearances. His recruiting acumen and player development skills earned him a reputation as one of the top assistants in college basketball.

Interim Coach to Full-Time Head Coach

After spending nearly a decade as a head coach at Fresno State (2011–2018) and UTEP (2018–2021), Terry returned to Texas as an assistant coach under Chris Beard. However, in December 2022, Beard was suspended and later dismissed following allegations of domestic violence, which ultimately led to Terry stepping in as the interim head coach.

Despite the abrupt transition, Terry led the Longhorns to an impressive finish that included a Big 12 Tournament title and an Elite Eight appearance in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. His leadership during this tumultuous period earned him the full-time head coaching position on March 27, 2023.

Declining Performance Led to His Firing

Although Terry’s first full season at the helm was filled with promise, the Longhorns struggled to maintain their momentum in the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 seasons. The team finished with a 19–16 record this past season, culminating in a First Four exit in the NCAA Tournament after a loss to Xavier. The disappointing finish prompted the Texas administration to reconsider the direction of the program.

Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte acknowledged that the decision to part ways with Terry was not made lightly.

“This was a very difficult decision and one that we put a great deal of thought, consideration, and discussion into as we evaluated where we are as a men’s basketball program,” Del Conte stated. “Rodney Terry has been a dedicated leader for Texas Basketball, and we are incredibly grateful for his contributions. However, we feel it is in the best interest of the program to move in a different direction.”

What’s Next for Texas?

Reports indicate that Texas is finalizing a deal with Xavier’s Sean Miller to take over as the next head coach. Miller, a seasoned coach with 13 NCAA Tournament appearances, is seen as a strong candidate to revitalize the Longhorns and restore them to national prominence.

Miller’s Xavier squad notably eliminated Texas from the NCAA Tournament in 2023, making this an ironic yet strategic hiring by the Longhorns. His experience in both player development and postseason success makes him an attractive choice for a program looking to rebound from a disappointing stretch.

Rodney Terry’s Legacy at Texas

While his time as head coach ended sooner than many expected, Rodney Terry’s impact on the Texas Longhorns is undeniable. From his days as an assistant coach helping recruit some of the program’s biggest stars to leading the team during a turbulent transition period, Terry’s contributions will not be forgotten.

His statement reflects the deep bond he shares with the university and its basketball program, and his legacy will endure in the players he coached, the games he won, and the culture he helped build.

As the Longhorns turn the page and look ahead to a new era under a fresh coaching staff, Terry will remain a respected figure in Texas basketball history.