Texas A&M misses out on Chris Beard, who stays at Ole Miss, as the Aggies continue searching for their 23rd head coach.
Texas A&M’s search for a new head coach continues after missing out on Chris Beard, who has decided to remain at Ole Miss. The Aggies are now tasked with identifying and securing their 23rd head coach in team history, a crucial decision that will shape the future of their basketball program.
The Pursuit of Chris Beard
Texas A&M’s interest in Beard was no secret. After parting ways with Buzz Williams, the Aggies made Beard their top target due to his impressive coaching pedigree. Beard has a track record of turning around programs, leading Texas Tech to the NCAA Championship game in 2019 and elevating Ole Miss to national relevance in just one season. However, despite A&M’s aggressive pursuit, Beard ultimately chose stability at Ole Miss, where he has quickly built a competitive program.
Why Beard Stayed at Ole Miss
Several factors contributed to Beard’s decision to remain in Oxford:
- Job Stability – Ole Miss has provided Beard with strong administrative support and resources to build a winning program.
- Roster Continuity – With several key players set to return, Beard sees potential for further success at Ole Miss.
- Recruiting Momentum – Beard and his staff have made significant inroads in recruiting, and leaving now could disrupt that progress.
- SEC Competition – The SEC is growing increasingly competitive, and Beard likely sees Ole Miss as a team that can compete at a high level within the conference.
Where Does Texas A&M Go From Here?
With Beard off the table, the Aggies must shift their focus to other candidates. Here are five potential names that could emerge as frontrunners:
- Grant McCasland (Texas Tech) – McCasland has deep Texas ties and a proven track record, including leading North Texas to the NIT Championship before landing at Texas Tech.
- Brad Underwood (Illinois) – Underwood has consistently kept Illinois in the national conversation and could be intrigued by a return to the Lone Star State.
- Porter Moser (Oklahoma) – Moser made his name with Loyola-Chicago’s Cinderella run in 2018 and has been working to build Oklahoma into a contender.
- Alan Huss (Creighton Assistant Coach) – A respected assistant with a strong reputation in player development, Huss could be a dark-horse candidate.
- Jerome Tang (Kansas State) – Tang made an immediate impact in his first season at Kansas State, and his experience in Texas as a Baylor assistant makes him an attractive option.
What Texas A&M Needs in Their Next Coach
The Aggies have struggled to establish themselves as a consistent force in the SEC. Their next coach will need to:
- Recruit at a high level – Competing in the SEC requires securing top-tier talent.
- Develop players – Success in the conference isn’t just about landing recruits but also helping them grow and improve.
- Bring an identity – Whether it’s an up-tempo offense, a lockdown defense, or a player-first culture, Texas A&M needs a clear direction.
The Timeline for Hiring a Coach
Texas A&M is expected to move quickly, as the transfer portal and recruiting cycle wait for no one. With Beard out of the picture, expect the Aggies to intensify their search in the coming days and weeks.
