Three things Chris Beard brings as Texas’ head coach

With Shaka Smart off to Marquette, Texas has hired Chris Beard as their next head coach. Here are three things he will bring to Austin.

A solid Big 12 record

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Since Chris Beard took over at Texas Tech, only Kansas and Baylor have better winning percentages in the Big 12. When the Jayhawks’ regular-season Big 12 title streak came to an end in 2018-2019, the Red Raiders were the co-champions with Kansas State. Beard knows how to get results within the conference.

Some fans bring up a 5-15 record against Baylor and Kansas during Beard’s time at Texas Tech. The counter to that argument is, nobody has a positive record against the Big 12’s powerhouses. Beard’s goal will be to build up Texas’ program to the level of Scott Drew’s and Bill Self’s, but time will be needed. Wins over the Bears and Jayhawks will show signs of progress.

One of the most difficult parts of breaking in a new head coach is learning the ins and outs of a conference. Beard will not go through those struggles. The University of Texas alumnus is already a Big 12 regular-season champion, a feat that has escaped the Longhorns since 2007-2008. Expect instant success from Beard.

Finally, buy-in from fans