Texas Basketball Head Coach Search: Latest News, Buzz on Open Position
Texas has reportedly found its replacement for former men's basketball coach Rick Barnes in VCU head coach Shaka Smart, according to CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein.
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Texas, Smart Reportedly Reach Deal
Thursday, April 2
Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reported that Smart and Texas have agreed to a deal. The news was reported after Smart held a meeting with his team at VCU.
Earlier in the day, Mike Szvetitz of the Richmond Times-Dispatch described the scene in Richmond, where Texas AD Steve Patterson has landed:
On April 1, Chip Brown of Horns Digest reported Texas is finalizing a deal that will make Smart the next head coach at Texas. Brown reported a five-year contract of around $14 million has been offered to Smart. The deal is expected to be made official tomorrow, per Jerry Myer of 247sports.
On March 30, CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein first linked Smart to the job, reporting that Smart was in discussions about the position.
Rothstein provided additional details, including two other potential candidates:
"Smart, who's been at VCU since 2009 and led the Rams to the 2011 Final Four, has had past opportunities to leave VCU and stayed. But this time, sources say the fit at Texas may be too good to pass up. He's turned down vacancies at Maryland, NC State, Marquette, Illinois, and Wake Forest over the past five years.
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If Smart turns down Texas, the Longhorns likely will turn their attention to Utah's Larry Krystkowiak and Xavier's Chris Mack.
Smart hasn't yet proven himself at a major program, but he's done a tremendous job at the helm of mid-major VCU. It will be interesting to see what he can do on a much bigger stage.
