No, it was not an April Fools Day joke. Chris Beard was announced as the head coach at the University of Texas on Thursday. Not only did Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte weaken a tougher inconference opponent, but he hired one of the best coaches in the country.
One thing has been missing from Texas basketball over the past six years under Shaka Smart: NCAA Tournament success. As good of a coach and person Smart was, not being able to deliver in March ultimately caused the two to split up. Beard will be brought in to win right away.
The former Texas Tech head coach had his introductory press conference on Friday morning. His message to the media was clear. He came to the University of Texas to win basketball games and championships. Anything else will not be accepted.
As most coaches are judged on their introductory press conference, Beard’s went as well as it possibly could have. The type of message that will make fans want to run through a brick wall. The Longhorns have a good one on their hands.