"Many in our community have followed his impressive career since his time here as a student assistant, and we couldn't be more excited to have one of our own return home as an accomplished coach and leader, with the experience to help us reach new heights." "Chris Beard is the right coach at the right time, not just for our student-athletes, but for all of Longhorn Nation," said Jay Hartzell, UT President. After the 2020 tournament was canceled due to COVID-19, the Red Raiders advanced to the 2021 NCAA Tournament Second Round. Texas Tech advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in program history in 2018 and returned the following season with a trip to the 2019 National Championship Game, which included a school-best 31 victories. Welcome back and hook 'em, Coach Beard!"īeard inherited a program at Texas Tech that was coming off five losings seasons in the six years prior to his arrival and he went on to guide the Red Raiders to five straight winning seasons and an overall record of 112-55 (.671), including an impressive 9-3 mark in NCAA Tournament contests. He also bleeds orange and loves this university. "He exudes energy and confidence and has a great plan to make our program one of the elite programs in the country. And I am proud to say that is exactly who we got in Chris Beard," said Kevin Eltife, Chairman of the UT System Board of Regents. "When we had an opportunity to bring in a new men's basketball coach, we went for the best. In addition to his five seasons at Texas Tech, Beard has also led five other programs, serving as head coach at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (2015-16), Angelo State University (2013-15), McMurry University (2012-13), Seminole State College (2000-01) and Fort Scott Community College (1999-2000). In 11 seasons as a collegiate head coach, Beard has compiled a 252-103 (.710) overall record and advanced to four NCAA Tournaments. Thank you, you have provided memories that will last a lifetime." I am truly thankful for all the people of West Texas and their incredible support. We took the program to new heights TOGETHER resulting in a Big 12 Championship, a berth on Monday night in the National Championship Game, an Elite Eight appearance and three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in school history. From the players and their families to the administration, students, alumni, season-ticket holders and the entire Red Raider Nation, we were able to build something incredibly special and unique. "It's a difficult and emotional day in a lot of ways as I leave Texas Tech, a place where I'm very appreciative of not only my five years as a head coach but also my 10 years as an assistant. "It's been a whirlwind of a day," Beard added. Our top priority will be embracing our players as soon as we get to campus, and I look forward to starting this journey together towards our championship goals." I want to thank President Hartzell and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte for their trust. "I can't express how excited I am for this opportunity and the journey that lies ahead. "I'm thrilled and excited to be coming back to Austin and back to the Longhorn family," Beard said. A 25-year veteran of collegiate coaching, Beard, 48, will be introduced at a Friday press conference on the UT campus. AUSTIN, Texas - A Texas Longhorn who led the Texas Tech program to the 2019 NCAA Championship Game and the 2018 Elite Eight, Chris Beard has been named the 25th head basketball coach at The University of Texas, Vice President/Director of Athletics Chris Del Conte announced Thursday.
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