In a stunning turn of events during the opening round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the Texas Longhorns faced an unexpected early exit as they fell 86-80 to Xavier in the First Four on March 19, 2025. This loss not only ends Texas' season but also casts doubt on the future of their head coach, Rodney Terry.
Immediately following the game, college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman reported that Texas is "likely to make a move" on Terry. This development stems from the Longhorns' recent struggles, as they barely made it into the NCAA tournament for two consecutive years. Terry has been at the helm since taking over midseason after Chris Beard was dismissed during a domestic violence dispute in 2022. Under Terry's leadership, the Longhorns made it to the Elite Eight and secured him the permanent head coaching position.
However, despite a promising start to his tenure, the team's performance has stagnated in the past two seasons. This year's record stands at 19-16, including a disappointing 6-12 mark in their first year in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Terry's overall record now sits at 62-36, emphasizing the challenges he faced in consistently guiding the Longhorns through a competitive landscape.
During the match against Xavier, Texas looked strong initially, leading by as many as 13 points after a thrilling first half. The Longhorns scored effectively, connecting on 58% of their shots and maintaining a steady pace throughout the opening period. But as the game wore on, Xavier rallied, showcasing their superior offensive strategies that had propelled them through the season.
The second half was a striking contrast, as Xavier outscored Texas to claim victory. The Musketeers' surge was capped with an impressive performance by key players. Marcus Foster scored 22 points, while Zach Freemantle made crucial plays down the stretch. The shift in momentum saw Texas struggling offensively, scoring just two points in the critical closing minutes, allowing Xavier to take control and finish strong amidst an electrified home crowd in Dayton.
With the defeat, conversations surrounding potential successors for Terry have intensified. Athletic director Chris Del Conte has historically lined up new coaching candidates before dismissing the current staff, implying that he may already have someone in mind. Potential replacements are drawing attention, including current college coaches like Sean Miller and Scott Drew, alongside NBA coaches such as Billy Donovan and Quin Snyder.
Miller, who currently coaches Xavier, has been seen as a strong candidate given his successful track record and recent showcase against Texas. Drew, of Baylor, is also in the running, especially with a comparatively low buyout of $4.5 million, making him an attractive option for the Longhorns.
On the other hand, taking an NBA coach such as Donovan might signal Texas's ambition to reset its program's trajectory dramatically. He previously achieved unparalleled success with back-to-back national titles at Florida and brings extensive experience as an NBA head coach.
The financial implications of a coaching change cannot be overlooked. Reports suggest it could take more than $20 million to buy out the current staff, paired with additional payouts for any incoming coach. Therefore, Del Conte will need to ensure the finances are arranged wisely to facilitate a coaching transition that aligns with Texas's ambitions.
The intrigue surrounding the Texas basketball program's future is evident. Changes are imminent for Terry's coaching staff as the Longhorns scour the landscape for talent, looking for the next figure to lead them back to national prominence. With Johnson heading to the NBA Draft and several other crucial players set to exhaust their eligibility, the urgency for Texas to find a strategic and effective leader grows with each passing day.
As the NCAA Tournament progresses, the time for Texas to announce its decisions approaches, adding further complexity to an already turbulent basketball season. Whether it’s a total reshuffle or retaining elements of the existing roster, the choices made in the coming weeks will determine the direction of the program for years to come.
