AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas has decided to part ways with basketball coach Rodney Terry after a challenging season in the Southeastern Conference, which included an unsatisfactory conclusion in the NCAA Tournament.
This decision comes two years after Terry successfully guided the team to the Elite Eight during the 2022-23 season. He took over the head coaching duties in the middle of that season after Chris Beard was dismissed following a serious legal issue. Under Terry’s leadership, the Longhorns rallied, winning the Big 12 Conference Tournament and making a notable run in the NCAA Tournament, which earned him a permanent position and a substantial contract.
However, this past season proved to be much tougher, leading to his dismissal with three years remaining on his contract. His overall record as head coach stood at 40 wins and 29 losses over two seasons.
Athletic Director Chris Del Conte released a statement explaining the decision, noting that he evaluated the program’s overall direction, particularly after a difficult initial year in the SEC. “We believe it is in the best interest of The University of Texas to move in a different direction,” he stated.
The Longhorns entered the current season ranked No. 19 but encountered significant struggles early, losing their season opener and failing to regain a ranking. Unfortunately, Texas began conference play with three consecutive losses against top-ranked opponents, ultimately finishing with a disappointing 6-12 record in league play, despite having standout player Tre Johnson on the roster.
Texas did manage to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament after some strong performances in their conference tournament, but they entered as an 11-seed and faced an uphill battle. Their season came to an end following a second-round loss to Xavier after they squandered a 13-point lead, leaving their final record at 19 wins and 16 losses.
In a heartfelt statement, Terry expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach at Texas, declaring, “It was a dream of mine to be the head coach of the Longhorns, and I’ve been able to live that dream.”
Terry faced significant challenges in building a cohesive team, especially in an era marked by the transfer portal and players receiving compensation through name, image, and likeness deals. While he successfully recruited Johnson, he struggled to attract other top prospects. High-profile recruits opted for professional careers instead of joining the Longhorns, leaving him with no high school commitments for the upcoming season.
As Texas looks to the future, the university will need to reassess its strategy to maintain competitiveness in college basketball.
