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Update 3:35 p.m. Chris Beard’s attorney responds, and it seems like litigation will be forthcoming.
Chris Beard's attorney has released a statement pic.twitter.com/xZoX0fbce8
— Joe Cook (@josephcook89) January 5, 2023
The Texas Longhorns have fired men’s basketball coach Chris Beard after allegations of domestic assault against his girlfriend in December according to the Austin-American Statesman.
Texas basketball coach Chris Beard has been fired, the Statesman has learned.
— Kirk Bohls (@kbohls) January 5, 2023
Official: Texas has fired Chris Beard. Rodney Terry will be the interim coach the rest of the season.
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) January 5, 2023
Beard had been suspended by the university without pay after being arrested for assault by strangulation/suffocation of a family member on December 12, which turned out to be his live-in girlfriend.
Beard was 22-12 last season, his first in charge of the Longhorns after compiling a 202-142 record in one year at Arkansas-Little Rock and five at Texas Tech. His best year came in 2019 in Lubbock, with a Big 12 regular season championship and Final Four appearance making him one of the most sought-after coaches in America.
Rodney Terry was the head coach at Fresno State from 2011-18, and at UTEP from 2018-21. He has a 168–157 career record with one appearance in the NCAA Tournament while at Fresno in 2016.
Texas (12-2, 1-1 Big 12) is No. 6 in the AP Poll and No. 10 in KenPom currently. The Longhorns will take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Stillwater on Saturday at noon ET on ESPNU.