Rodney Terry the head coach of the Texas Longhorns
Texas Basketball Faces Uncertain Future After Early NCAA Tournament Exit
The Texas Longhorns’ 2025 NCAA Tournament run ended before it could truly begin, as they fell 86-80 to Xavier in the First Four on March 19. The loss not only brought an abrupt conclusion to Texas’ season but also intensified speculation surrounding the future of head coach Rodney Terry.
Coaching Uncertainty Looms
College basketball insider Jeff Goodman wasted little time reporting that Texas is “likely to make a move” on Terry following the defeat. The Longhorns have struggled to solidify their position as a national powerhouse, scraping into the NCAA Tournament for a second consecutive year before suffering an early exit. Terry, who took over midway through the 2022-23 season after Chris Beard’s dismissal, initially led Texas to an Elite Eight appearance, earning him the permanent head coaching role. However, the program has since struggled to maintain consistency, finishing this season with a 19-16 record and a disappointing 6-12 mark in their first year as an SEC member.
Breakdown of Texas’ Collapse
The Longhorns looked poised to advance early in their matchup against Xavier, building a 13-point lead in the first half while shooting 58% from the field. But momentum shifted after halftime, as Xavier found its rhythm. The Musketeers mounted a comeback behind standout performances from Marcus Foster (22 points) and Zach Freemantle, while Texas faltered down the stretch. The Longhorns managed just two points in the closing minutes, allowing Xavier to seize control and close out the game in front of an electric crowd in Dayton.
Potential Coaching Candidates Emerge
With Terry’s job security in question, speculation about potential replacements is already gaining traction. Athletic director Chris Del Conte is known for lining up new hires before making changes, leading many to believe that a transition is imminent.
Among the leading candidates is Xavier head coach Sean Miller, whose team just eliminated Texas from the tournament. Miller’s experience and proven success at the college level make him an attractive option. Baylor’s Scott Drew is another possibility, particularly given his relatively low buyout of $4.5 million. Drew has built a championship-caliber program in Waco and could bring immediate credibility to Texas.
Additionally, Texas may look to the NBA ranks for a high-profile hire. Billy Donovan, a two-time NCAA champion with Florida, has been linked to the job, as has Quin Snyder, the current Atlanta Hawks head coach. Both possess the pedigree to elevate Texas into a perennial contender, but luring an established NBA coach would come with financial and logistical challenges.
Financial Implications
A coaching change of this magnitude won’t come cheap. Reports indicate that buying out Terry and his staff could exceed $20 million, not including the cost of hiring a new coach and staff. Del Conte will need to weigh the financial ramifications carefully, ensuring that any move aligns with Texas’ long-term aspirations.
What’s Next for Texas Basketball?
The Longhorns now enter a critical offseason filled with uncertainty. With key players expected to depart for the NBA Draft and others exhausting their eligibility, Texas faces a potential roster overhaul alongside its coaching uncertainty. As the NCAA Tournament continues, all eyes are on Del Conte and the Texas administration to see whether they stick with Terry or bring in a new leader to reset the program’s trajectory. Whatever decision is made, it will shape the future of Texas basketball for years to come.
