Chris Del Conte, Texas’ athletic director, faced a pivotal decision in hiring Rodney Terry, and as the season unfolds, the implications of that choice are becoming more apparent on the Longhorns’ campus.
When the most pressing question surrounding a season is whether the head coach will be let go immediately after its conclusion, you know the stakes are high. Unfortunately for Terry and the Longhorns, this is the reality they now face. Following a frustrating 76-72 loss to an Oklahoma team that was struggling in its own right, Texas finds itself in a precarious position, wrapping up a lackluster season with a 17-14 record and a disappointing 6-12 finish in their inaugural SEC campaign. The upcoming matchup against Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament on March 12 in Nashville could very well be a make-or-break moment.
However, there are several factors indicating that Terry might retain his position for another season:
- Stability in Basketball Coaching: In Texas, basketball coaches seem to enjoy an unwritten protection plan that provides them with a bit more job security compared to their counterparts in other regions. Given that basketball, while overshadowed by football, plays a crucial role in the university’s spirit, coaches often get an extra year to prove themselves.
- The Financial Implications: Terry’s contract averages around $3 million per year, with three years remaining and a reported buyout of $5.8 million. Adding the cost of hiring a new head coach—including their contract and potential buyouts from their current schools—could push the total figure to approximately $18 million. While Texas has deep pockets, this amount isn’t pocket change.
- Diversity Matters: Rodney Terry is the only Black head coach among 21 positions at Texas. In today’s climate, a university’s leadership must reflect the diversity of its student body and community. Parting ways with Terry would send the wrong message at a time when inclusivity is a critical focus for athletic departments.
- Past Performance: Despite a rocky season, Terry’s previous success at Texas cannot be overlooked. After stepping into an incredibly challenging situation following the abrupt firing of Chris Beard, Terry managed to lead the team to a 22-8 record and an NCAA regional final appearance. He demonstrated poise and leadership during an incredibly tumultuous time, making it hard to justify a premature exit.
However, there are also compelling reasons why Texas might choose to move on from Terry:
- A Questionable Hiring Choice: Many feel that Terry wasn’t the ideal candidate for this prestigious position in the first place. His prior head coaching stints at Fresno State and UTEP involved resignations rather than successful tenures, raising eyebrows about whether he was ever the right fit for Texas, especially given the circumstances of his hiring.
- The Need for Basketball to Thrive: With football on an upward trajectory, the pressure on the men’s basketball team to contribute to the overall morale of the Texas athletic program may have diminished. However, even without the same scrutiny as football, the basketball program is expected to maintain a certain level of competitiveness; losing to teams like South Carolina is simply unacceptable.
- Financial Reality at Texas: While the financial burden of firing Terry and hiring a replacement is significant, it pales in comparison to the broader spending picture at Texas. The athletic department is known for its hefty investments, notably a million-dollar buyout for the baseball coach just last season.
- The Nature of Coaching: In the world of college athletics, most coaches are essentially hired with the understanding that they could be let go at any time. While Terry did an admirable job picking up the pieces of Beard’s fallout, the overall trajectory of his performance echoes his previous stops at Fresno State and UTEP.
As Texas approaches the SEC Tournament, the future for Rodney Terry hangs in the balance. In a landscape where both success and failure are magnified under the bright lights of college athletics, decision time looms on the horizon.
