Reports: Texas likely to fire Rodney Terry after First Four loss to Xavier

In a recent development, the Texas Longhorns men’s basketball program is reportedly preparing to part ways with head coach Rodney Terry following the team’s 86-80 defeat to the Xavier Musketeers in the NCAA Tournament’s First Four.

**Game Recap: Texas vs. Xavier**

The Longhorns’ season came to an abrupt end in Dayton, Ohio, where they faced Xavier in a high-stakes First Four matchup. Texas held a 13-point lead at one juncture but struggled to maintain their advantage. Xavier’s Marcus Foster delivered a standout performance, leading all scorers with 22 points, including four pivotal three-pointers. Teammate Zach Freemantle added 15 points, while Dailyn Swain and Ryan Conwell contributed 11 points each. The Musketeers’ resilience was evident as they outscored Texas 47-33 in the second half, securing their advancement to face the No. 6 seed Illinois.

For Texas, freshman guard Tre Johnson led with 23 points, and Tramon Mark added 16 points along with five assists. Despite their efforts, the Longhorns couldn’t withstand Xavier’s late-game surge, leading to their early exit from the tournament.

**Rodney Terry’s Tenure at Texas**

Rodney Terry’s association with Texas began during the 2022-23 season when he assumed the role of interim head coach following the midseason dismissal of Chris Beard. Under Terry’s guidance, the Longhorns achieved a commendable 22-8 record, culminating in an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament. This impressive run led to Terry’s promotion to full-time head coach.

However, the subsequent seasons did not mirror that initial success. In the 2023-24 season, Texas struggled, missing the NCAA Tournament entirely. The 2024-25 season saw marginal improvement, with the team finishing with a 19-16 record. Their inaugural year in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) was challenging, as they ended 13th in the conference and faced an early exit in the SEC tournament quarterfinals.

**Speculations and Reports on Coaching Changes**

The recent loss to Xavier has intensified discussions regarding Terry’s future with the program. Reports from reputable sources indicate that Texas is likely to make a coaching change. Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68 noted, “Sources have told The Field of 68 that Texas is likely to make a move on Terry after two straight years of barely making the NCAA tourney and getting bounced in the First Four this year.”

Similarly, Chip Brown of Horns247 reported that without a significant run in the NCAA Tournament, Terry’s position was in jeopardy. Following the loss, Brown stated that sources indicate Terry is expected to be let go after three seasons at the helm.

**Potential Successors and Future Outlook**

As Texas anticipates a coaching transition, attention turns to potential candidates who could revitalize the program. Notably, Sean Miller, the current head coach of Xavier, was previously considered for the Texas position before Terry’s appointment. Miller’s recent success with Xavier, especially their victory over Texas, could position him as a leading candidate.

Athletic Director Chris Del Conte is known for his strategic approach to coaching hires. Historically, Del Conte has ensured a seamless transition by having successors lined up before making official changes. This method was evident in previous coaching shifts within Texas athletics, suggesting a thorough and calculated search process is forthcoming.

**Conclusion**

The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball program stands at a pivotal juncture. The anticipated departure of Rodney Terry underscores the high expectations and pressures inherent in leading a prominent collegiate basketball team. As the administration embarks on the search for a new head coach, the focus will be on identifying a leader capable of restoring the program’s competitive edge and achieving sustained success in the evolving landscape of college basketball.

Texas Longhorns Expected to Part Ways with Coach Rodney Terry