Here’s a 20-word response: Chris Beard, Grant McCasland, Brad Underwood, Porter Moser, and Alan Huss are potential candidates to replace Buzz Williams.

The departure of Buzz Williams from Texas A&M to take over as the head coach at Maryland has left a significant gap in the Aggies’ basketball program. Williams, who led the team for a successful tenure, built a solid foundation, but with his exit, the Aggies must now turn to find his successor. As one of the premier programs in the SEC, Texas A&M is expected to conduct a search for a head coach who can build upon the groundwork Williams set and elevate the team to new heights.

Several notable candidates have emerged, each bringing different strengths and experiences that could help Texas A&M remain competitive at the top levels of college basketball. Below, we explore five potential replacements for Buzz Williams, all of whom would bring unique qualities to the Texas A&M program.

1. Chris Beard

Chris Beard is a name that has surfaced frequently in discussions surrounding the Texas A&M basketball program. Beard has a proven track record of success, having built programs from the ground up and consistently leading them to deep postseason runs. After his time at Texas Tech, where he guided the Red Raiders to the national championship game in 2019, Beard’s coaching prowess became nationally recognized.

Currently, Chris Beard is at Ole Miss, but there are several reasons why he could be a compelling choice for Texas A&M. First, Beard’s ability to recruit and develop talent is exceptional. He is known for his defensive mindset and work ethic, which would be highly valuable in the competitive SEC. Additionally, Beard’s familiarity with the Texas A&M program, having coached in the state for years, makes him a strong candidate for the role.

However, recent reports suggest that despite his success, Beard has opted to remain at Ole Miss. He has made clear that his focus is on continuing to build the Rebels’ basketball program, and at this time, he has declined overtures from Texas A&M. While this may close the door on his candidacy, it doesn’t discount his qualifications or the fact that he could have been an excellent fit for the job.

2. Grant McCasland

Grant McCasland is another name that would make sense for Texas A&M’s coaching search. As the head coach at North Texas, McCasland has demonstrated the ability to turn a mid-major program into a powerhouse. Under his leadership, the Mean Green have become a staple in the NCAA Tournament, with McCasland leading them to multiple successful seasons.

One of McCasland’s most impressive feats came in the 2020-2021 season when he guided North Texas to an impressive 18-9 record and a victory over Purdue in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. His ability to get the most out of his players, especially those who may not have the same talent as their counterparts at Power Five schools, is one of his greatest strengths.

Given Texas A&M’s desire to remain competitive in the SEC, McCasland’s success at North Texas, combined with his ability to recruit effectively, would make him a strong candidate. Additionally, McCasland has familiarity with the state of Texas, which is an essential factor in a program looking to recruit the top local talent.

McCasland’s experience at a mid-major school, however, may raise questions about his ability to step into the high-pressure environment of a Power Five conference. Nonetheless, if Texas A&M is looking for a proven coach who knows how to build a winning culture, McCasland should certainly be considered.

3. Brad Underwood

Brad Underwood’s name frequently comes up in coaching searches, and for good reason. Underwood, the head coach of Illinois, has been a highly successful figure in college basketball. He led Illinois to a Big Ten title in 2021 and has guided the Fighting Illini to five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Underwood’s success with Illinois speaks to his ability to build competitive teams and recruit top talent.

One of the standout features of Underwood’s coaching style is his emphasis on tough defense and high-pressure play. This is something Texas A&M fans would appreciate, as it fits well with the traditional style of SEC basketball. Underwood also has significant experience in recruiting, with Illinois landing some of the top players in the country during his tenure.

While Illinois is a prestigious program, Underwood has deep roots in the Big 12, where he previously coached at Oklahoma State. Given his success at Illinois and his familiarity with the Texas recruiting landscape, Underwood could be a natural fit for Texas A&M. His leadership could help the Aggies continue to make deep tournament runs and possibly win championships in the SEC.

However, Underwood’s potential departure from Illinois would be a major factor in whether he is a viable option for Texas A&M. Still, his track record and style of play align well with the expectations for the Aggies.

4. Porter Moser

Porter Moser is a name that may not be as widely recognized as some of the others on this list, but he is a highly capable coach who could thrive at a Power Five school like Texas A&M. Moser has had significant success at Loyola-Chicago, leading the Ramblers to the Final Four in 2018. His tenure at Loyola-Chicago included not only postseason success but also a significant rise in the program’s profile.

Moser is known for his ability to get the best out of his players, especially in high-stress situations. His attention to detail, tactical approach, and ability to build a strong team culture could be just what Texas A&M needs. Moser’s experience in postseason play is particularly noteworthy, as he has led Loyola-Chicago to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and won multiple conference championships during his tenure.

Although Moser’s experience at a mid-major program like Loyola-Chicago might raise some concerns about his ability to transition to the SEC, his success with the Ramblers and his strategic approach to the game could help him thrive in the Power Five environment.

With Texas A&M looking for a coach who can build a successful program and make a strong run at SEC championships, Moser’s leadership could provide exactly what the Aggies need. His experience with successful underdog stories, like Loyola-Chicago’s Final Four run, would resonate with a program looking to make its own mark on the national stage.

5. Alan Huss

Alan Huss may not be a household name like some of the other candidates, but he has been making waves as the head coach of High Point University. Huss has turned High Point into a competitive program in the Big South Conference, leading them to a historic 24-10 season and an NCAA Tournament appearance. His success at a mid-major school shows his potential to develop players and lead them to postseason success.

Huss’s coaching philosophy revolves around a balance between offensive and defensive play. His ability to recruit and develop players, especially in a smaller program like High Point, could translate well to a Power Five school like Texas A&M. His experience at the mid-major level would give him an edge in building a team culture, which is important for a program looking to establish itself in a competitive conference like the SEC.

While Huss lacks the high-level experience that some of the other candidates have, his strong coaching acumen and proven track record at High Point make him a potential sleeper candidate for Texas A&M.