When Abilene Christian ran onto the floor in celebration of their round of 64 victory, the writing was on the wall. Shaka Smart’s time in Austin was over. Six seasons, three NCAA Tournament appearances, zero victories. Smart moved back home to Marquette, leaving the Longhorns’ head coach spot vacant.
A statement hire was needed from athletic director Chris Del Conte. As usual, he delivered. Texas hired Chris Beard away from Texas Tech, a rare interconference switch. Please, nobody ask Lincoln Riley how he feels about Beard’s move to Austin. Chandler Morris aside, Beard is seen as the guy who will rejuvenate what should be one of the top programs in the country.
NCAA Tournament experience and constant success immediately come to mind when thinking of what Beard will bring to Texas. From the perspective of the athletic department, a sense of hope before their new $338 million arena opens was required. Beard will make sure to deliver on all of those.
Here are three things Beard will bring as the new head coach at Texas.