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Texas A&M insider believes Chris Beard is 'the target' for Aggies coaching search: 'They are going all out'

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh04/02/25griffin_mcveigh
NCAA Basketball: Mississippi State at Mississippi
Feb 15, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Chris Beard reacts toward an official during the first half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Early in the Texas A&M coaching search, Chris Beard is the popular name. Currently at Ole Miss, Beard was previously in Austin with the Texas Longhorns. Even so, the Aggies are looking to bring in a winner, and Beard has certainly proved to be one throughout his career.

TexAgs’ Billy Lucci gave his thoughts on Beard being connected to the job. He believes Texas A&M and athletic director Trev Alberts is “going all out” to hire Beard. In what would be a splashy move in multiple ways, the Aggies appear to be working hard on this one.

“A&M basketball doesn’t scare places typically,” Lucci said on TexAgs Live, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. “… That ties in with everything I’ve heard the last few days. When Jeff Goodman says, ‘Chris Beard will be a target.’ He is the target, in my opinion. For now. Doesn’t mean you’re going to get him. I will say, I think for anyone wondering, I said this before, I said it yesterday and I will say it now, they are going all out.

“If you want to know what commitment to basketball looks like, they’re making a commitment in going after this hire the way they are. If he stays in Oxford, it will be costly for them. And it certainly won’t be for lack of trying.”

Buzz Williams built a consistent winner in College Station, making the NCAA Tournament for three consecutive seasons. Just two wins came though, never making it to the Sweet Sixteen. Williams then left in favor of the Maryland job, heading back out East.

Texas A&M wants to make sure the success remains inside the program. Not many would be better suited for the job than Beard, looking at his resume.

Ole Miss is now the fourth school he has taken to the NCAA Tournament. Little Rock was the first in 2016 before a five-year stint with Texas Tech — a run that included a Final Four turned into national championship game appearance. His lone full season at Texas saw a postseason bid too.

SEC basketball has become as competitive as ever. Making statement hires are almost required unless a program wants to fall behind the pack.

Texas A&M wants to stay in front and, at the very least, is trying to hire its top available candidate. Big days ahead in the search for Alberts, attempting to lock down Beard and steal him from Ole Miss.