If the University of Texas were to move on from Rodney Terry and seek a new men’s basketball coach with a proven ability to win national titles, they would likely prioritize candidates with a track record of deep NCAA Tournament success, ideally including championships. The Longhorns have a storied program but have never won a national title, so hiring someone with that experience could elevate them to that elusive goal. Here are some strong candidates based on their coaching pedigrees and ability to compete at the highest level:
Among these, Scott Drew stands out as the most realistic and strategic hire for Texas. His Texas ties, Big 12 experience, and proven ability to win a title make him a natural fit. Baylor’s smaller scale compared to UT’s resources could sway him, especially if he wants to cement his legacy with a bigger program. Bill Self would be the dream hire for his consistency and championship pedigree, but his availability is doubtful. Dan Hurley offers upside as a rising star, though his commitment to UConn could complicate things.
Texas should target a coach with a national title who can leverage the program’s talent pipeline and SEC platform. Drew feels like the best balance of achievement and attainability, assuming they can outbid Baylor’s loyalty factor.
- Bill Self (Current: Kansas)
Self is one of the most accomplished active coaches in college basketball, with two national championships (2008, 2022) at Kansas and a career record of 805-248 (.764) as of the 2023-24 season. His teams are perennial contenders, with 16 Final Four appearances and a knack for developing talent. Texas, with its resources and recruiting base, could tempt Self with a massive contract and a fresh challenge. However, prying him from Kansas, where he’s entrenched and successful, would be a long shot unless he seeks a change late in his career. - Scott Drew (Current: Baylor)
Drew turned Baylor into a national powerhouse, winning the 2021 national title and consistently keeping the Bears competitive in the Big 12. His record at Baylor stands at 446-244 (.646) through 2023-24, with two Elite Eight runs and a knack for program-building. As a Texas native who’s already thrived in the state, Drew could be lured by UT’s superior resources and larger platform, though his loyalty to Baylor—where he’s built a legacy from scratch—might make it tough. - John Calipari (Current: Arkansas)
Calipari won a national title with Kentucky in 2012 and has reached six Final Fours, boasting a career record of 855-263 (.765) through 2023-24. Now at Arkansas, he’s still proving he can win big, but his Kentucky tenure showed he can recruit elite talent and compete for titles. Texas could appeal to him with its recruiting hotbed and SEC affiliation, offering a chance to reclaim his dominance after a mixed end at Kentucky. His adaptability and star power make him a fit. - Tom Izzo (Current: Michigan State)
Izzo’s 2000 national championship with Michigan State, paired with eight Final Four appearances and a 705-293 (.706) record through 2023-24, marks him as a legend. Known for tough, disciplined teams, he could bring a winning culture to Austin. At 70 years old in 2025, he might consider a final challenge with Texas’s resources, though his deep ties to Michigan State suggest he’d only leave for a perfect fit. - Dan Hurley (Current: UConn)
Hurley has quickly become a hot name, winning back-to-back national titles with UConn in 2023 and 2024. His overall record is 292-163 (.642) through 2023-24, and at 52, he’s young enough for a long tenure. His intense style and recruiting prowess could thrive at Texas, but UConn’s recent success and his East Coast roots might make him hesitant to move unless Texas offers an overwhelming deal.
Among these, Scott Drew stands out as the most realistic and strategic hire for Texas. His Texas ties, Big 12 experience, and proven ability to win a title make him a natural fit. Baylor’s smaller scale compared to UT’s resources could sway him, especially if he wants to cement his legacy with a bigger program. Bill Self would be the dream hire for his consistency and championship pedigree, but his availability is doubtful. Dan Hurley offers upside as a rising star, though his commitment to UConn could complicate things.
Texas should target a coach with a national title who can leverage the program’s talent pipeline and SEC platform. Drew feels like the best balance of achievement and attainability, assuming they can outbid Baylor’s loyalty factor.
