Texas Basketball Head Coach Hot Board: Who Could Replace Rodney Terry?

The Texas Longhorns’ basketball program has long been a powerhouse in collegiate basketball, consistently competing at the highest level in the Big 12 and on the national stage. However, as with any high-profile program, coaching changes can happen swiftly, and sometimes unexpectedly. The most recent buzz surrounding Texas basketball has centered on Rodney Terry, who stepped into the head coach role following Chris Beard’s departure under unfortunate circumstances.

Rodney Terry’s tenure as head coach was marked by a significant degree of success, leading the Longhorns to a solid showing in the NCAA Tournament. However, despite his efforts, Terry’s future as the head coach of the Texas program remains uncertain. With the potential for Texas to look for a new head coach in the coming years, many names have started to circulate in the conversation about possible replacements. If the Longhorns do decide to part ways with Terry, the search for a new head coach will be one of the most watched and scrutinized coaching searches in college basketball.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of potential candidates who could take the reins at Texas, each with a unique set of skills, experience, and coaching pedigree to elevate the Longhorns back to championship contention. Let’s break down the head coaching “hot board” for Texas basketball.

1. Chris Beard – The Prodigal Son

Previous Experience:

• Head Coach at Texas (2021-2022)
• Head Coach at Texas Tech (2016-2021)
• Head Coach at Little Rock (2015-2016)

Why He’s a Candidate: Chris Beard’s name has been at the forefront of the Texas basketball coaching conversation ever since his departure from the program in December 2022. Beard, who led Texas Tech to a national championship game appearance in 2019, was brought in to revitalize the Texas basketball program. Despite a strong record and an aggressive, competitive coaching style, Beard’s tenure at Texas was marred by off-the-court issues.

However, his basketball pedigree is undeniable. Under his leadership, Texas Tech became a national force, making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. His ability to develop players, instill a defensive-minded culture, and recruit top talent was a big reason he was so highly regarded at Texas Tech. Should Texas be willing to bring Beard back, it would mark a reunion with a coach who has a strong connection to the program and the potential to take the Longhorns to the next level.

Beard is a controversial figure given the circumstances of his exit from Texas, but if the program feels his off-the-court issues are in the past, he would be a top candidate. The question is whether the administration and fanbase would be willing to overlook the past and re-hire the coach who initially seemed like the perfect fit for the Longhorns.

2. Nate Oats – The Winning Coach on the Rise

Previous Experience:

• Head Coach at Alabama (2019-Present)
• Head Coach at Buffalo (2015-2019)
• Assistant Coach at Michigan (2013-2015)

Why He’s a Candidate: Nate Oats has quickly become one of the hottest names in college basketball. After turning around the Alabama program and leading the Crimson Tide to consistent success in the NCAA Tournament, Oats has shown that he is more than capable of taking a program to the top. His high-tempo style of play, combined with an emphasis on defense and a sharp tactical approach, has earned him recognition as one of the best young coaches in the game.

Oats’ success at Alabama, where he guided the Crimson Tide to a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and helped develop players like Brandon Miller, who became one of the most exciting players in college basketball, makes him a prime candidate for the Texas job. The Longhorns are looking to return to their former prominence, and Oats’ reputation for developing elite talent and his modern, fast-paced system could be the ideal fit in Austin.

Additionally, Oats has demonstrated an ability to win in the SEC, which is arguably the toughest conference in the country. Should Texas decide to move on from Rodney Terry, Oats would be a strong candidate to bring his success and style to the Longhorns.

3. Mark Few – The Legacy Builder

Previous Experience:

• Head Coach at Gonzaga (2000-Present)

Why He’s a Candidate: Mark Few is an established figure in college basketball with nearly a quarter-century of success at Gonzaga, leading the Bulldogs to 23 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and developing them into a perennial powerhouse. Few has built one of the most successful programs in the country, turning Gonzaga into a name synonymous with elite college basketball despite its mid-major status.

While Few has built a legacy in Spokane, Washington, there have been rumors over the years that he could eventually take a job at a larger, more storied program. Texas, with its resources and ambition to be one of the top programs in the country, could offer Few the challenge he may be looking for.

Few’s reputation for developing top talent, his consistent ability to compete for national championships, and his leadership in building a powerhouse could translate well to Texas. He’s also one of the most respected coaches in the game, and if the Longhorns are looking to bring in a coach who has a proven track record of success at the highest level, Few would be an obvious choice.

The only real question surrounding Few’s candidacy is whether he’s interested in leaving Gonzaga for a new challenge, given his success in the Pacific Northwest and his ties to the university.

4. Sean Miller – The Proven Winner with a Return to Form

Previous Experience:

• Head Coach at Arizona (2009-2021)
• Head Coach at Xavier (2004-2009)

Why He’s a Candidate: Sean Miller has proven himself as one of the top coaches in the country, both at Xavier and Arizona. While his tenure at Arizona was marked by some off-the-court controversies, Miller’s success as a coach cannot be denied. During his time with the Wildcats, Miller led Arizona to several NCAA Tournament appearances and consistently recruited top-tier talent. His emphasis on defense and the development of his players is something Texas would certainly benefit from.

After a brief hiatus from coaching, Miller returned to the bench at Xavier, where he revitalized the program, leading the Musketeers to a strong season and rekindling the competitive fire that made him such a sought-after name in college basketball.

Miller has always been a fantastic recruiter, and his ability to build competitive teams in one of the toughest conferences in the country would translate well to Texas. If the Longhorns are looking for a coach with a proven track record of success and the ability to build a championship-caliber program, Miller could be an ideal choice.

5. Kelvin Sampson – The Defensive Mastermind

Previous Experience:

• Head Coach at Houston (2014-Present)
• Head Coach at Oklahoma (2006-2011)
• Head Coach at Oklahoma (1994-2006)

Why He’s a Candidate: Kelvin Sampson has established himself as one of the best coaches in college basketball. He has completely turned around Houston’s basketball program, turning the Cougars into a national contender year in and year out. Sampson’s teams are known for their ferocious defense and their ability to win with a team-first mentality. After taking Houston to multiple Final Fours and building a program that consistently competes with the best in the nation, Sampson would bring credibility, experience, and a championship-caliber mentality to Texas.

Although he’s built a powerhouse at Houston, Sampson may be ready for a new challenge. Texas, with its deep pockets, resources, and a high-profile conference, could be the perfect place for Sampson to further solidify his legacy. His ability to recruit, develop players, and build a defensive juggernaut would make him a great fit for Texas, and he would be a strong candidate to consider if the Longhorns decide to go in a new direction.

The Future of Texas Basketball

The future of Texas basketball remains uncertain, but the talent pool of potential candidates to replace Rodney Terry is impressive. Whether the program turns to someone with deep ties to the state, like Chris Beard, or looks for a proven winner like Nate Oats or Mark Few, Texas has many intriguing options. The Longhorns’ next head coach will play a pivotal role in shaping the program’s future, and the decision will have ramifications that extend well beyond the current season.

As the search continues, Texas fans will be eagerly watching to see who will lead the Longhorns back to national prominence and guide them to the ultimate goal: an NCAA championship. With the right hire, Texas could be on its way to another era of success, whether that comes with a familiar face or an exciting new coach.