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

After a season marked by both highs and lows, Rodney Terry, who was dismissed from his role as head coach of the Texas Longhorns basketball team, has made an official statement reflecting on his time in Austin, expressing gratitude to the university, his players, and the fans, while also addressing the future of his career. In a heartfelt message, Terry offered a candid look at the challenges, growth, and personal achievements he experienced during his tenure, despite the eventual decision by the school to part ways.

While his time as head coach was brief, the circumstances surrounding Terry’s hiring were anything but ordinary. He was thrust into the spotlight when he was appointed as interim head coach in December 2022 following the dismissal of Chris Beard due to personal and legal issues. What followed was a season of high expectations, pressure, and an emotional rollercoaster that ended in both triumphs and challenges. Though he was unable to secure the head coaching position permanently, Terry’s leadership left an indelible mark on the program, and his departure has stirred mixed feelings among Longhorns fans and insiders alike.

In his official statement, Terry reflected on his journey with the Longhorns, acknowledging the complexities of the role while also offering a message of gratitude and optimism for the future.

Rodney Terry’s Official Statement

Austin, Texas — As I step away from my position as head coach of the Texas Longhorns basketball program, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. Serving as the head coach of the University of Texas has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with such dedicated student-athletes, an outstanding coaching staff, and an incredible fanbase in Longhorn Nation.

The decision to part ways with the university was not an easy one, and it has certainly been an emotional time for me and my family. Over the past several months, I have had the privilege of being part of an amazing institution, and while the outcome of this chapter may not have been what I had hoped for, I am incredibly proud of the effort, resilience, and commitment I witnessed from my players every single day.

When I was thrust into the role of interim head coach, the circumstances were far from ideal. I came into a program that had already endured significant turmoil, and yet we fought together through adversity. I will always be grateful to the players who trusted me, the staff who supported me, and the fans who stood by us.

The coaching profession is one where results ultimately determine your future, and while the journey did not end the way I would have liked, I leave with my head held high, knowing that we accomplished much together.

A Season of Transition: Stepping In During a Time of Crisis

Rodney Terry’s tenure as the interim head coach of Texas was born out of an unprecedented set of circumstances. After the arrest of former head coach Chris Beard in December 2022, Terry was given the unenviable task of stepping in on short notice to salvage a season that many believed could have ended in a championship run.

Terry, who had spent years as an assistant coach at major programs like Fresno State, UTEP, and Texas, had a reputation for his defensive expertise and ability to connect with players. But stepping in as the head coach of a team with high expectations and an uncertain future was a daunting challenge, to say the least.

“I had never imagined stepping into a role like this, especially under these circumstances,” Terry said in his statement. “When Coach Beard was let go, there was so much uncertainty surrounding the program. But my priority from day one was to help these young men stay focused, keep their heads up, and give them the best coaching I could to help them finish the season strong.”

Terry inherited a Texas team that was 7-1 at the time of Beard’s dismissal, and despite the chaos, the Longhorns managed to remain competitive throughout the rest of the season. Under Terry’s leadership, the team finished the regular season 21-12, securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

While Texas did not make a deep run in the tournament, the team fought valiantly, losing in the Sweet 16 to a more experienced Michigan squad. Despite the loss, Terry’s leadership was widely praised, as he was able to keep the program on track in the midst of an emotional season. However, the question remained whether his efforts were enough to warrant a permanent appointment as the program’s head coach.

The Highs and Lows: A Season of Uncertainty

Despite facing a great deal of adversity, there were several notable achievements during Terry’s brief stint at Texas. Perhaps the most significant was his ability to rally the team together and keep the chemistry intact. The Longhorns played hard for each other, and under Terry’s guidance, they managed to play competitive basketball in one of the toughest conferences in the country, the Big 12.

“Basketball is a team sport,” Terry said. “There were moments during the season when we struggled, but it was the bond between the players and the belief that they had in each other that really allowed us to make the most of the season. I’m proud of what we accomplished under difficult circumstances.”

Terry’s leadership also had a personal impact on several players. Texas forward Timmy Allen, who had played under both Beard and Terry, expressed his appreciation for the way Terry stepped up during a challenging time.

“Coach Terry is someone who really cares about the players and what’s going on with us, not just on the court but off the court too,” Allen said in a post-season interview. “He’s a true professional and a great mentor, and he’s been a huge part of our growth this year.”

Unfortunately, the ultimate decision regarding Terry’s future with the program wasn’t entirely in his hands. Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte and university leadership, following a lengthy search process, decided that the program required a fresh vision for the future, and the decision was made to move in a new direction. While the decision to part ways was a difficult one, Del Conte and university officials acknowledged the challenges Terry faced and the respect he had earned in his time leading the team.

“I want to thank Rodney for his commitment to the Texas Longhorns and for stepping up when we needed him most,” Del Conte said in a statement. “Rodney is a man of great character and integrity, and he gave everything he had to this program. We wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

Reflections on the Season: Building on the Foundation

Though Terry’s time with Texas was brief, he had a chance to reflect on the progress he made, not only as a coach but also in building a foundation for the program. The experience of stepping into such a high-pressure role has provided him with valuable lessons, both in coaching and leadership, that he will carry forward throughout his career.

“Every coaching job teaches you something,” Terry explained. “This season taught me a lot about myself, about how to stay calm under pressure, and about the resilience of the young men I was coaching. We went through a lot, but we never stopped fighting. I’ll always carry that with me.”

Terry expressed particular pride in how the team handled adversity. Despite all the distractions, the Longhorns never lost sight of their goals. The players continued to fight hard throughout the season, and Terry worked tirelessly to ensure they remained focused on their development, both as players and individuals.

“There were times when it felt like everything was stacked against us, but I never lost faith in our players,” Terry said. “These guys are so talented, and they’re going to go on to do great things in basketball and beyond. I’m excited to see where they go from here, and I’m grateful to have had a small part in their journey.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Rodney Terry?

Following his dismissal from Texas, Rodney Terry is expected to pursue other coaching opportunities, with many expecting him to eventually land another head coaching job at a prominent program. His reputation as a defensive strategist and his proven ability to manage and develop players make him a highly attractive candidate for a number of schools looking to rebuild or elevate their basketball programs.

For Terry, the road ahead is uncertain, but he is optimistic about what the future holds. His experience at Texas, both the triumphs and challenges, has only further fueled his passion for coaching, and he is determined to continue making a difference in the lives of young athletes.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have coached at Texas,” Terry concluded in his statement. “It’s been an honor to work with such incredible players and staff. The lessons I’ve learned here will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I’m excited about what comes next. I’ll continue to work hard, stay focused on improving as a coach, and, most importantly, keep teaching and mentoring young men who want to grow both on and off the court.”

A Final Thank You to Longhorn Nation

Terry closed his statement by offering one final thank you to the Texas Longhorns fans, known as Longhorn Nation.

“I want to thank all of the fans who supported us throughout the season,” he said. “Your passion, your energy, and your love for this team have been amazing. The atmosphere in the Frank Erwin Center and the support we received on the road was something special, and I will always cherish that. You truly are what makes this program so special, and I will forever be grateful for your loyalty.”

Rodney Terry’s time with the Texas Longhorns may have ended sooner than expected, but the impact of his leadership, his character

, and his ability to navigate a challenging situation will not be forgotten. As he moves forward, there is little doubt that the lessons he learned in Austin will serve him well in whatever coaching opportunities await him in the future.