Which Texas basketball coach will the Longhorns look to replace Rodney Terry? “The Athletic”

The University of Texas Longhorns basketball program is facing a significant crossroads after parting ways with Rodney Terry, the interim head coach who stepped into an incredibly challenging situation in 2022. While Terry was brought in as a replacement after Chris Beard’s dismissal, the pressure of leading a storied program like Texas to the pinnacle of college basketball proved too great, despite a solid showing during his time in charge. With the Longhorns in search of their next head coach, the decision will likely shape the program’s trajectory for years to come. As Texas looks to replace Terry, the university will need a coach who can recruit at a national level, instill a winning culture, and ultimately deliver the program’s first NCAA Championship since 2003.

In the competitive world of college basketball, Texas is one of the most attractive destinations for any head coach. The combination of the program’s storied history, its resources, the fan base, and the powerful Big 12 Conference make the Longhorns a desirable job for elite candidates. But who will Texas turn to? Let’s examine some potential candidates and explore what qualities the next head coach will need to restore Texas basketball to the national elite.

Rodney Terry’s Tenure: A Strong Foundation, But Not Enough to Stay

Rodney Terry’s time as head coach of Texas basketball was certainly a trial by fire. Following Chris Beard’s abrupt firing due to legal and personal issues, Terry stepped into the interim role in December 2022. The program was facing turmoil, with a season that seemed to be spiraling out of control. Despite the adversity, Terry led the Longhorns to a 21-12 record, including a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. He was praised for keeping the team together during the turmoil and guiding them to a strong finish in the regular season. However, despite his valiant effort and leadership, Terry was ultimately not retained after the season.

The university’s decision to part ways with Terry came after a thorough review of the program’s long-term goals and aspirations. While Terry proved that he could stabilize a turbulent situation, Texas leadership felt the program needed a new direction to achieve consistent success at the highest levels of college basketball. The challenge for Texas, moving forward, will be to find a coach who can maintain the program’s success and elevate it to greater heights.

The Key Qualities Texas Will Look For in a New Coach

When selecting the next head coach of Texas basketball, the university will undoubtedly focus on several key qualities:

1. Recruiting Prowess: College basketball is won on the recruiting trail. With so many elite programs vying for top talent, Texas will need a coach who can attract high-level recruits, especially given the talent pool in the state of Texas itself. The Longhorns have been a major player in the recruiting game, but with the right head coach, the program could take recruiting to the next level, competing with the likes of Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, and others.
2. Success in Big Games: Texas needs a coach with experience in March Madness and, more importantly, one who can perform well in the NCAA Tournament. Texas has struggled to reach the Final Four and hasn’t won a national title in over 20 years. A successful candidate will need a proven track record of winning big games, particularly in the postseason.
3. Player Development: Developing players is key to sustaining long-term success. The next Texas coach will need to be able to work with elite talent while also developing players who might not be one-and-done prospects. Texas has the resources to get elite players, but the next head coach must help players grow and reach their full potential.
4. Offensive and Defensive Balance: Texas has had a reputation for tough, defensive-minded basketball, but the program will also need a coach who can implement a modern offensive system that can compete at the highest levels. A balanced approach—where offense and defense complement each other—will be essential in today’s fast-paced, highly skilled college basketball landscape.
5. Stability and Longevity: Finally, Texas needs a coach who can bring stability to the program and sustain success. The next head coach will be expected to stay for the long haul and build a program that is competitive year after year. Given the pressure in the Big 12 and the competitive nature of college basketball, the next coach must thrive under pressure while also maintaining long-term stability.

With all of these factors in mind, let’s take a look at several top candidates who could be the next head coach of Texas basketball.

1. Sean Miller (Xavier)

Arguably the most intriguing and realistic candidate for the Texas job is Sean Miller, the head coach at Xavier University. Miller has established himself as one of the top coaches in college basketball, particularly with his work at Xavier and previously at Arizona. He has a reputation for recruiting at a high level and running highly effective, disciplined teams on both ends of the floor.

Pros:

• Miller has extensive NCAA Tournament experience, having taken Arizona to four Elite Eights and a Final Four.
• He has a reputation for building strong, competitive teams year after year.
• Miller is known for his defensive schemes, which aligns with Texas’ traditional identity.
• His ability to recruit top-tier talent, especially in the state of Arizona, would translate well in Texas, given the talent-rich area.
• He has a strong relationship with the AAU circuit and knows how to build recruiting pipelines that land elite talent.

Cons:

• Miller’s tenure at Arizona ended in controversy due to NCAA investigations and potential infractions, which could be a concern for Texas’ administration.
• Though his teams have had success, he has yet to win a national title, which is a major expectation at Texas.

Miller’s proven track record and ability to win big games would make him a strong candidate, but his past controversy may give the Texas administration pause.

2. Chris Holtmann (Ohio State)

Another name that will likely be on Texas’ radar is Chris Holtmann, the current head coach at Ohio State University. Holtmann has built a solid reputation for developing competitive teams at both Ohio State and Butler, making him a proven commodity in Power 5 basketball.

Pros:

• Holtmann has taken Ohio State to the NCAA Tournament in every year of his tenure, including several deep runs.
• He has an excellent reputation for player development, especially in terms of improving the skills of both incoming freshmen and experienced upperclassmen.
• Holtmann’s ability to recruit is well established, particularly in the Midwest and East Coast, and he has shown the ability to recruit nationally.
• He would bring stability and a high level of professionalism to the Texas program.

Cons:

• While Holtmann has been successful at Ohio State, he has yet to reach the Final Four, and the pressure to win a national title would be immense at Texas.
• The high expectations at a program like Texas may prove challenging given the consistent pressure he would face.

3. Porter Moser (Oklahoma)

Porter Moser could also be a strong candidate, especially given his track record at Loyola-Chicago, where he built a mid-major powerhouse and led the team to the Final Four. After taking over at Oklahoma in 2021, Moser has shown that he can coach at the highest levels.

Pros:

• Moser has a demonstrated ability to lead teams in big tournament moments, as evidenced by his run to the Final Four with Loyola-Chicago.
• His defensive-first approach and emphasis on team culture would align well with Texas’ traditional values.
• Moser is also known for building strong relationships with players, ensuring both player development and a cohesive team.

Cons:

• Moser’s time at Oklahoma has been relatively underwhelming so far, and some may question whether he has the sustained success to thrive in the ultra-competitive Big 12.
• While Moser can recruit, he would likely need more time to prove he can land top-tier talent consistently at Texas.

4. Tyronn Lue (Los Angeles Clippers)

Though unconventional, Tyronn Lue, the NBA coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, could be an outside candidate for the Texas job. Lue has been a successful NBA coach with a Championship to his name (as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016), and has the type of leadership skills and pedigree that Texas may find appealing.

Pros:

• Lue has a proven record of success in the highest-pressure environments of the NBA.
• His ability to relate to players and manage big egos would be key in managing a high-profile program like Texas.
• His vast experience with player development and high-level basketball strategy could translate well to college basketball.

Cons:

• Lue has no collegiate coaching experience, which could be a significant drawback.
• The transition from the NBA to college basketball can be difficult, particularly when it comes to recruiting and navigating the NCAA system.

Lue would be an unconventional choice, but his success in the NBA and leadership abilities could make him an intriguing option for the right program.

5. Brian Dutcher (San Diego State)

Finally, Brian Dutcher, the head coach at San Diego State, has built one of the most successful programs in mid-major college basketball. Dutcher’s team reached the Final Four in 2023, proving that he can take a team deep into the tournament.

Pros:

• Dutcher’s ability to recruit and

develop players has been proven in the NCAA tournament.

• His defensive-minded approach would mesh well with the Texas culture.
• He has had sustained success in the Mountain West Conference, and his recent success on the national stage would make him an attractive option.

Cons:

• Dutcher has never coached at a program as high-profile as Texas, and stepping into that spotlight might be a difficult transition.
• While his program is consistently strong, he has yet to prove himself in a high-major conference like the Big 12.

A Critical Decision for Texas Basketball

The decision to replace Rodney Terry will be a pivotal moment for the Texas Longhorns basketball program. Texas needs a coach who can continue the legacy of the program, bringing both success and stability to a team that has the resources and support to contend for a national championship. The next head coach will need to balance recruiting, coaching, and leadership, while delivering the results the program expects.

While the candidates above represent a range of styles and backgrounds, Texas is in a prime position to attract a top-tier coach who can help the Longhorns return to national prominence.