Texas hires ex-Texas Tech head coach Beard

Texas hired Chris Beard as the program's new head coach, the Longhorns announced Thursday.

Beard previously served as head coach of Texas Tech and signed a six-year extension following the 2019 campaign. He led the school to a combined 112-55 record over five seasons and guided the Red Raiders to the Elite Eight in 2018 and a national championship appearance in 2019. The bench boss helped the program qualify for four consecutive NCAA Tournaments.

Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt confirmed Beard's exit Thursday evening, telling The Athletic's Sam Khan Jr.: "We were not given an opportunity to make a counteroffer."

Beard replaces Shaka Smart, who recently signed on to become the new head coach at Marquette.

Texas is coming off a 19-8 season, including an 11-6 record in Big 12 play. No. 14 seed Abilene Christian upset the Longhorns in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Texas Tech starting guard Kyler Edwards announced his plans to transfer from the school shortly after Beard's departure was reported.