Hot Board: Who Might the Texas Longhorns Hire to Replace Rodney Terry as Basketball Coach?
The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball program finds itself in an interesting and somewhat precarious position following the 2024 NCAA Tournament exit. With head coach Rodney Terry’s future now in question after a tumultuous postseason run, Longhorns fans and college basketball insiders alike are speculating about the potential candidates to replace him, should Texas decide to make a change. While Rodney Terry did a commendable job in taking over the program midseason after the departure of Chris Beard, the lack of a deep NCAA Tournament run might signal that the program is ready to make a bold move. The University of Texas, as one of the most powerful and well-resourced athletic programs in the nation, has high expectations for its basketball team, and the pressure to hire a top-tier coach is immense.
In this “Hot Board” article, we’ll explore the potential candidates who could be on Texas’ radar to replace Rodney Terry, offering a mixture of rising stars, proven winners, and high-profile names. The following list includes coaches from a variety of backgrounds, each bringing their own set of qualifications and styles to the table.
1. Shaka Smart (Marquette)
Shaka Smart’s name will undoubtedly be among the top contenders for the Texas job, especially given his prior experience with the Longhorns. Smart, who spent six years as the head coach at Texas from 2015 to 2021, has deep ties to the program and understands the expectations that come with coaching at a major school like Texas. Though his tenure with the Longhorns was marked by mixed results, Smart found significant success at Marquette, leading the Golden Eagles to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and establishing himself as one of the top young coaches in the nation.
Smart’s defensive acumen, “Havoc” style of play, and ability to recruit high-level talent would fit well with Texas’ desire to return to national prominence. He has proven he can build successful programs, and a reunion between him and Texas could spark new energy. With a strong team at Marquette, Smart may be hesitant to leave, but if Texas makes an aggressive offer, he could be open to the possibility of returning.
Pros:
- Familiar with Texas’ culture and recruiting base.
- Proven track record of success at Marquette.
- High energy and a defensive-first philosophy.
Cons:
- Mixed results during his tenure at Texas.
- Might be content with his current success at Marquette.
2. Jay Wright (Former Villanova Head Coach)
Jay Wright’s unexpected retirement after leading Villanova to multiple national championships in the 2010s has left the college basketball world wondering if he could be lured back to the sidelines. Wright is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in modern college basketball, known for his ability to develop players, manage teams with a high basketball IQ, and consistently field competitive squads. With multiple Final Fours and NCAA titles to his name, he is undoubtedly a coach who would elevate any program.
The question, of course, is whether Wright, who recently stepped away from coaching at Villanova, would be interested in returning to the game and taking on a new challenge. Texas offers a prestigious job in a major conference, but the allure of a program like Texas might not be enough to convince Wright to leave retirement. That said, if the Longhorns make the right pitch, Wright’s experience and championship pedigree could be the key to returning Texas to national title contention.
Pros:
- Two-time national champion.
- Experience with high-level recruiting and coaching in the Big 12.
- Respected by players, coaches, and basketball insiders alike.
Cons:
- Recently retired and could be content away from the game.
- Might prefer a less demanding coaching environment after stepping down from Villanova.
3. Mark Few (Gonzaga)
Mark Few has been synonymous with Gonzaga basketball for decades, building the Bulldogs into a perennial powerhouse in college basketball. Few’s system is based on an efficient offense, sound defense, and smart decision-making, all of which have made Gonzaga a regular fixture in the NCAA Tournament. Few’s leadership has allowed Gonzaga to dominate the West Coast Conference and achieve consistent success in March, including making it to the 2021 national championship game.
The question for Texas is whether Few, who has built such a successful program at Gonzaga, would consider leaving for a high-profile job like Texas. Few is beloved in Spokane, Washington, and it would take a significant offer to convince him to leave. However, if the Longhorns present a tempting opportunity and the right resources, Few could be intrigued by the idea of taking on the challenge of a new conference and program.
Pros:
- Elite-level coach with a proven record in March Madness.
- Ability to recruit and develop talent.
- Strong basketball acumen and leadership.
Cons:
- Deeply invested in Gonzaga and its success.
- Could be reluctant to leave a program he’s built from the ground up.
4. Mick Cronin (UCLA)
Mick Cronin’s success at UCLA since taking over in 2019 has been nothing short of impressive. After revitalizing the Bruins program, Cronin led UCLA to a Final Four appearance in 2021 and has built a hard-nosed, defensive-oriented squad capable of competing at the highest levels. Cronin’s coaching pedigree and ability to mold teams into gritty, well-disciplined units make him a strong candidate for any high-profile job.
While Cronin may have found success at UCLA, Texas might offer a larger budget, more resources, and an even more competitive conference. Cronin’s coaching style, which focuses heavily on defense and tough-minded basketball, would align with Texas’ historical emphasis on defensive prowess. However, whether Cronin would leave UCLA for Texas remains an open question.
Pros:
- Proven ability to build competitive, defense-first teams.
- Successful track record at UCLA, including deep tournament runs.
- High level of recruiting and player development.
Cons:
- UCLA is one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball.
- May be reluctant to leave a program with established success.
5. John Calipari (Kentucky)
John Calipari, the long-time head coach of Kentucky, is a high-profile figure in college basketball with a wealth of experience. Calipari has consistently brought in top-tier recruiting classes and led Kentucky to numerous NCAA Tournament appearances, including a national championship in 2012. Known for his ability to develop one-and-done players and field elite talent, Calipari is one of the most respected and recognized names in college basketball.
Despite his success at Kentucky, Calipari’s time with the Wildcats has faced its share of challenges in recent seasons. With Texas offering a new opportunity, it’s possible that Calipari could be interested in a change of scenery, especially if Kentucky’s program continues to face stiff competition in the SEC. Texas would offer a fresh challenge in a new environment, though Calipari’s potential departure from Kentucky would likely be a topic of much speculation.
Pros:
- Elite recruiter with proven success in college basketball.
- National championship and multiple Final Four appearances.
- Ability to handle high-pressure coaching environments.
Cons:
- Currently entrenched at Kentucky with significant success.
- Age and potential desire for a change of pace could make this a long shot.
6. Chris Beard (Ole Miss)
Though it may seem like a long shot, the potential return of Chris Beard to Texas after his controversial departure could be a storyline worth following. Beard, who had a successful tenure at Texas before being dismissed amid personal issues, is now coaching at Ole Miss. His defensive-minded approach and ability to lead teams to the NCAA Tournament have made him a respected name in college basketball.
If Texas were to go down this road, it would likely be a controversial decision, as Beard’s tenure was marred by off-court issues. However, if the program feels he has redeemed himself and the offer is enticing enough, Beard’s familiarity with the Texas program could make him a candidate to watch.
Pros:
- High-level coaching acumen and defensive expertise.
- Previous success with the Texas program.
- Proven ability to turn programs around quickly.
Cons:
- Controversial exit from Texas and potential public relations concerns.
- Questionable whether he would leave Ole Miss so soon.
The Texas Longhorns are in a unique position to hire a coach with the potential to elevate the program to new heights. Whether it’s a returning face like Shaka Smart, a high-profile name like Jay Wright or John Calipari, or an up-and-coming coach from a mid-major, Texas has a wealth of options.
While it remains to be seen what direction the university will take, one thing is for certain: the next hire is crucial for the future success of the Texas Longhorns basketball program. The stakes are high, and the right decision could return Texas to its rightful place among college basketball’s elite. The search is only just beginning, and fans can expect plenty of speculation and rumors in the weeks to come.