Texas’ Game Plan for Rodney Terry: What the Latest Report Says After First Four Loss to Xavier

After Texas’ recent loss to Xavier in the First Four, the university is likely considering a change in their men’s basketball coach, Rodney Terry. According to basketball insider Jeff Goodman, the Longhorns may soon take action regarding Terry’s future.

Terry stepped in as interim coach when Chris Beard left mid-season, later securing the full-time position after leading the team to an Elite Eight finish. However, over the past two seasons, the Longhorns have struggled, failing to qualify for the NCAA Tournament in 2024. This year’s game against Xavier saw a significant 13-point lead evaporate in the second half, intensifying discussions about Terry’s job.

As the season ends, many expect the university to make a move. Goodman’s tweet highlighted that the coach who just beat Texas—Sean Miller—was considered during Terry’s initial hiring process. Miller’s team outperformed Texas by scoring 47 points to Texas’ 33 in the second half, and he described the game as “one of the greatest” he’d attended.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel noted that although a decision on Terry isn’t imminent, there’s a pattern in Texas’ athletic department when it comes to coaching changes. The school has quickly transitioned coaches in the past, such as in football and baseball. Del Conte, Texas’ athletic director, typically has a plan in place before making controversial decisions. Historically, before promoting Terry, Del Conte explored other coaching options, including Snyder and Miller.

Recent trends in college basketball highlight the increasing pressure on coaches with limited success. In 2023-2024, nearly a quarter of NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams failed to make the tournament after two consecutive years of poor performance, and fan enthusiasm often dwindles when teams underperform. Terry has faced criticism not just for results, but for the team’s inability to maintain strong leads, which is becoming a key concern for collegiate programs across the country.

In sum, with athletic director Chris Del Conte’s history of strategic planning, the future may indeed hold changes for Texas basketball. Expect the Longhorns to actively pursue big names in coaching as they look to re-energize the program.



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Rodney Terry (86 – Angleton)