AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The University of Texas has made waves in college basketball with the firing of coach Rodney Terry following a disappointing season and a quick exit from the NCAA Tournament. This dramatic shift comes just days after Texas faced Xavier, where the Longhorns lost 86-80 in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament. Former Arizona coach Sean Miller is reportedly set to take the helm at Texas, according to multiple sources, including the Austin American-Statesman.
Terry, who was originally appointed full-time head coach after a tumultuous midseason change during the 2022-2023 season, had led Texas to unexpected success, reaching the Elite Eight and winning the Big 12 Conference Tournament. He was awarded a five-year contract worth $15 million for his efforts. However, the subsequent seasons proved challenging, with Terry compiling a record of 40 wins and 29 losses during his tenure.
“My philosophy has always been to wait until the end of the season and review every facet of our program before making any final decisions. In looking at everything over the past three seasons... it is in the best interest of The University of Texas to move in a different direction,” Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte remarked in a statement addressing the decision.
During the long offseason following the Longhorns' first year in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), many fans had hoped for a turn around. Texas began the 2024-2025 season ranked No. 19 but quickly found themselves unranked after losing their season opener. The struggles mounted with a disappointing finish to the regular season, where Texas went 6-12 in league play, placing a damper on expectations after emerging as the final SEC team to make the NCAA Tournament.
Despite having one of the top freshmen in the conference in Tre Johnson, the Longhorns could not find the footing needed to climb back to their former glory under Terry’s leadership. “It was a dream of mine to be the head coach of the Longhorns, and I’ve been able to live that dream. I’ll forever be a Longhorn,” said Terry in his parting statement, reflecting on his unique journey with the program.
The challenges faced by Terry were exacerbated by the evolving landscape of college sports, particularly with the rise of the transfer portal and NIL deals impacting recruitment. Before the start of his first full season, both Ron Holland and A.J. Johnson, two highly-ranked recruits, opted to turn professional instead of joining Texas, leaving the team struggling to attract top-tier talent.
Sean Miller’s hiring marks a significant pivot for Texas as the program seeks fresh direction. The former Xavier coach had spent three years at the helm of the Musketeers, where he built on his earlier success. Initially starting his head coaching career at Xavier, he then took over Arizona in 2009, where he made a name for himself by leading the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament for seven times in eight years. However, the aftermath of the FBI scandal led to a cloud over his final seasons at Arizona, culminating in a self-imposed postseason ban in 2021.
Miller’s return to coaching signifies hope for Texas fans who are eager for a competitive revival in the SEC. He is expected to utilize the school's robust NIL budget to attract talent and reinvigorate the program. “Get ready to see Sean Miller in burnt orange,” and his leadership promises exciting developments in the coming seasons!
As Texas navigates this transitional phase, there is cautious optimism about the potential of the Longhorns with Miller at the controls. Moving forward, the program will aim to build a cohesive and competitive team, reflecting the rich basketball tradition associated with Texas. It is clear that the stakes are high, and the Longhorns have a new chapter ahead as they seek to redefine their place within the competitive landscape of collegiate basketball.
