Report: Texas athletic director meeting with Shaka Smart in Richmond
Texas athletic director Steve Patterson flew to VCU on Thursday to meet with head coach Shaka Smart, according to the Austin-American Statesman.
Patterson's plane, owned by Texas president Bill Powers, was scheduled to arrive in Richmond, Va., just after 5 p.m. ET.
He intends to return to Austin, Texas, with the Rams' bench boss so he can tour Texas's campus Friday, according to Geoff Ketchum of Rivals.
The Longhorns have made it clear that Smart is their top choice to replace coach Rick Barnes, who was fired last week after 17 seasons at Texas.
Texas is optimistic that Smart will sign, according to Gary Parrish of CBS Sports.
Chip Brown of Horns Digest reported that the Longhorns are discussing a deal with Smart said to be in the vicinity of five years and $14 million.
From a resume standpoint, Smart makes a lot of sense for Texas. In six seasons at VCU, he averaged 27.2 wins and made five NCAA tournament appearances, including a Final Four berth in 2011.