Who Could Take Rodney Terry’s Place on the Texas Basketball Head Coach Hot Board?

As the 2023–2024 college basketball season comes to a close, the Texas Longhorns men’s basketball program finds itself at a crossroads. Rodney Terry, who had been serving as the interim head coach for the Longhorns, took over after the abrupt departure of Chris Beard following legal issues that led to his firing in January 2023. Under Terry, the Longhorns performed admirably, making it to the NCAA Tournament and even securing a high seed, all while managing a roster brimming with talent. However, despite his success in leading the team to the tournament and maintaining competitiveness, questions about his long-term future as the head coach have lingered.

Terry’s tenure has sparked debates about whether he should continue as the permanent head coach or if Texas should look elsewhere for a more established name. With the season now winding down, the university has undoubtedly begun to evaluate its options. Should Texas move on from Rodney Terry, who could step in and take the helm of one of college basketball’s most high-profile programs? This piece will examine the potential candidates that could take over at Texas, analyzing their backgrounds, coaching styles, and potential fit with the Longhorns.

Rodney Terry: A Review of the Interim Era

Before delving into potential replacements, it’s important to reflect on Terry’s tenure and the context that surrounds his candidacy. When Chris Beard was fired after an arrest, Rodney Terry was thrust into the head coach position, with little time to adjust. He had been an assistant under Beard, known for his defensive prowess, and had built a reputation as a strong recruiter and player developer.

Under his leadership, the Longhorns largely exceeded expectations. They finished the 2022–2023 season with a 22–12 record, made it to the NCAA Tournament, and were competitive in the Big 12 Conference. The team’s defense remained a hallmark of Terry’s approach, even without the specific defensive schemes that Beard had employed. In a season full of turmoil, Rodney Terry was able to maintain the Longhorns’ level of success, a testament to his coaching ability and his leadership during trying times.

However, despite those successes, Terry’s tenure has also been marked by a series of question marks. His inability to consistently guide the team to victory in crucial moments or establish a definitive offensive system that matched his defensive schemes has left some fans and insiders wondering if he’s the right person to lead Texas moving forward. With the immense pressure to return Texas to elite status, the search for a head coach could be a pivotal moment for the program.

The Texas Basketball Job: A Prime Opportunity

Before looking at specific candidates, it’s important to understand the attraction of the Texas basketball program for potential head coaches. Texas is one of the most well-funded athletic programs in the country, with a fanbase that is loyal and passionate. The Longhorns are located in one of the most talent-rich states in the nation and have access to top-tier recruiting resources, which makes the Texas job an enviable position for any coach.

The university has made significant strides in athletics under the leadership of athletic director Chris Del Conte, who has overseen major investments in facilities and resources for all sports. With the basketball team competing in one of the toughest conferences in the country (the Big 12), Texas has the foundation to compete with any program in the nation. The opportunity to lead this program is a big one — a chance for the right coach to make their mark in the world of college basketball.

Given that, here are some potential candidates who could replace Rodney Terry on the Texas basketball head coach hot board.

1. Mark Few (Gonzaga)

Mark Few has been the head coach at Gonzaga since 1999 and has built the Bulldogs into one of the most successful and consistent programs in college basketball. Under Few’s leadership, Gonzaga has made 23 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including multiple trips to the Final Four. Few has an excellent reputation for developing talent, running a high-powered offense, and creating a winning culture in Spokane.

Few’s success is undeniable, but there are reasons to believe he could be a candidate for the Texas job. First, Few has achieved almost everything possible at Gonzaga and may now be looking for a new challenge. Texas offers the opportunity to recruit at an even higher level, particularly with Texas being in the heart of high school basketball talent.

Few has established himself as one of the best coaches in college basketball without winning a national championship. If he were to come to Texas, he would have the resources and platform to push for that elusive title. Additionally, Few’s style of basketball, which emphasizes a free-flowing offense, could complement Texas’ talent, giving the team the chance to elevate its performance at the national level.

2. Mike Krzyzewski (Retired, Duke)

Yes, this might sound like a long shot, but Coach Mike Krzyzewski, who retired from Duke in 2022 after a storied career, has been rumored to still have an itch for coaching. The legendary coach, with five NCAA titles to his name and a reputation for building dynasties, could be drawn to Texas’ investment in its basketball program and the potential for a strong recruiting base. His familiarity with the national landscape and his ability to recruit blue-chip talent would immediately raise Texas’ profile.

While it seems unlikely, especially considering his retirement, the idea of Coach K in Austin is a tantalizing thought for any Texas fan. Given his legacy, expertise, and ability to turn programs into championship contenders, Coach K would be a game-changer for the Longhorns.

However, this would be more of a “pipe dream” for Texas fans, as Krzyzewski has often said he is content with his retirement. Nevertheless, he is one of the few individuals who could potentially be convinced to return to coaching if the right offer and circumstances were in place.

3. Scott Drew (Baylor)

Scott Drew has become synonymous with success at Baylor, where he transformed the program from one of the worst in the Big 12 to a national champion in 2021. Drew’s leadership turned Baylor into a national power, and he is known for his ability to recruit elite talent, his commitment to team defense, and his ability to motivate players. Drew has coached at Baylor for over 20 years, building a program that is consistently among the nation’s best.

The big question is: Could Drew leave Baylor, a program he has built from the ground up, for a move to Texas? The rivalry between Texas and Baylor would make any potential move complicated, but Drew has achieved everything he can at Baylor. He has reached the pinnacle of college basketball and could be looking for a new challenge. Texas’ resources and national profile would give him a platform to build a program that could contend for national championships.

Drew’s ability to recruit and his knack for building strong team cultures would make him a great fit for Texas. He would bring a championship pedigree and experience to Austin and could help elevate the Longhorns into a consistent national contender.

4. Brad Underwood (Illinois)

Brad Underwood has done an excellent job at Illinois, where he has turned the program into one of the Big Ten’s most consistent and successful teams. Underwood is known for his up-tempo, aggressive style of play that has made Illinois one of the most exciting teams in the country. He has a history of turning struggling programs into winners, which would be appealing to Texas fans if the program were looking for a coach who can build from the ground up.

Underwood has had success in the Big 12 at Oklahoma State, where he led the Cowboys to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. His familiarity with the Big 12 could make a transition to Texas a smoother one. He is a strong recruiter and would likely be able to tap into the fertile recruiting grounds of Texas, bringing in top-tier talent.

His brash, no-nonsense style would likely resonate with the Texas fanbase, and his history of success in different conferences would make him a strong candidate for the Longhorns. If Illinois is unable to keep up with its ambitious goals, Underwood could be drawn to the challenge and resources that Texas offers.

5. John Calipari (Kentucky)

The idea of John Calipari leaving Kentucky is always a topic of speculation. Calipari has had an incredibly successful career at Kentucky, where he’s built a dynasty, including a national championship in 2012. Known for his ability to recruit elite, one-and-done talent, Calipari has consistently built championship-caliber teams. However, recent seasons have raised questions about his ability to maintain Kentucky’s dominance in the modern college basketball landscape.

Calipari could be intrigued by the opportunity at Texas for a variety of reasons. First, Texas has a deep pool of talent in its backyard, and the Longhorns are located in a recruiting hotbed. Secondly, with Kentucky undergoing some changes and the pressure mounting for championships, Calipari might be interested in a new chapter where he can rebuild a program with the right resources and vision.

His experience as one of college basketball’s most well-known names would immediately elevate Texas basketball’s profile. Calipari’s coaching pedigree would be a huge asset for the Longhorns as they look to challenge for national titles in the future.

 The Next Chapter for Texas Basketball

The Texas basketball program is at a critical juncture, and Rodney Terry’s future as head coach will likely be decided soon. However, the university has a wealth of options to consider, ranging from proven coaches like Mark Few and Scott Drew to high-profile names like John Calipari and even the dream of Mike Krzyzewski returning to coaching. The next head coach of Texas basketball will need to bring not only a wealth

of experience but also the ability to build on the team’s current talent and create a winning culture.

No matter who takes the job, one thing is certain: Texas basketball is poised for greatness, and the future of the program has never looked brighter.