Texas Longhorns Part Ways with Men’s Basketball Coach Rodney Terry After NCAA Tournament Disappointment
The University of Texas has terminated the contract of head men’s basketball coach Rodney Terry, bringing an end to his tenure with the Longhorns after just over two seasons. The decision comes on the heels of a disappointing First Four exit in the NCAA Tournament, where Texas squandered a significant lead against Xavier, ultimately falling short of expectations.
Multiple sources confirmed the firing, signaling a clear shift in direction for the Texas basketball program. Terry’s overall record at Texas stood at 62-38, a respectable mark that included NCAA Tournament appearances in each of his seasons at the helm. However, the manner of this year’s tournament defeat, coupled with inconsistencies throughout the regular season, seemingly prompted the university to seek new leadership.
Terry’s salary for the current year was $3.002 million, and his contract includes a buyout provision of $5.4 million. This financial commitment underscores the weight of the decision by the university, indicating a strong desire to elevate the program to a higher level of sustained success.
The circumstances surrounding Terry’s ascent to the head coaching position were unusual and steeped in controversy. He initially served as an assistant under Chris Beard, who was hired to revitalize the Texas basketball program. However, Beard’s tenure was abruptly cut short in January 2023 when he was arrested on felony domestic violence charges. While those charges were later dropped, the university moved swiftly to terminate Beard’s employment. He has since been hired as the coach at Ole Miss.
Following Beard’s dismissal, Terry was elevated to the role of interim head coach. He seized the opportunity, guiding the Longhorns to an impressive run that culminated in a Big 12 Conference Tournament title and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Texas advanced to the Elite Eight that year, showcasing the team’s potential under Terry’s leadership.
In recognition of his accomplishments as interim coach, the university awarded Terry a five-year, $15.3 million contract, officially naming him the full-time head coach. His first full season at the helm saw the Longhorns post a 21-13 record and reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
This past season, however, presented more challenges. Despite boasting a talented roster that included dynamic guard Tre Johnson, who earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors, Texas struggled to find consistency in conference play. The team endured three separate three-game losing streaks and ultimately finished with a 6-12 record in Big 12 competition.
Despite the struggles in conference play, Texas’s overall body of work was enough to secure a No. 11 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Longhorns’ resume included seven Quad 1 victories and a NET ranking of 39, factors that weighed favorably in the selection committee’s decision.
The NCAA Tournament appearance, however, was short-lived and ended in particularly disappointing fashion. In their First Four matchup against Xavier, the Longhorns initially came out firing, scoring 47 points in the first half and shooting a blistering 59% from the field.
However, the second half was a different story. Texas’s offense sputtered, as they managed to hit only 38% of their shots in the final 20 minutes. The Longhorns went cold in the closing stages of the game, failing to score a single field goal in the last three minutes. Xavier capitalized on Texas’s struggles, ultimately securing an 86-80 victory and sending the Longhorns home early.
The loss to Xavier amplified concerns about the team’s overall consistency and ability to perform under pressure. While Terry had demonstrated success in leading the program to the NCAA Tournament in both of his seasons as head coach, the manner of this year’s exit clearly fell short of expectations.
The university’s decision to move on from Terry reflects a desire to pursue a higher level of sustained success on the national stage. The Texas basketball program has a rich history and a strong following, and the university is committed to investing in the resources necessary to compete for championships.
A national search for a new head coach is expected to commence immediately. The university will likely target candidates with a proven track record of success in both recruiting and player development, as well as a demonstrated ability to build a winning culture. Potential candidates may include established head coaches at other programs, as well as up-and-coming assistant coaches with strong ties to the Texas basketball community.
The firing of Rodney Terry marks a significant turning point for the Texas Longhorns men’s basketball program. As the university embarks on a search for a new head coach, the focus will be on finding a leader who can elevate the program to new heights and consistently compete for championships on the national stage. The next coaching hire will be crucial in shaping the future of Texas basketball and determining whether the Longhorns can achieve their long-term goals. The university and its fanbase are eager to see who will be chosen to lead the program forward and usher in a new era of success. The decision to part ways with Terry was not taken lightly, and the university is committed to finding the best possible candidate to lead the Longhorns into the future.
