Charles Barkley makes case for Texas to make Rodney Terry head coach, reacts to Chris Beard hire at Ole Miss

As it starts its NCAA Tournament run, Texas has a big decision looming after the season. The Longhorns could embark on a full search for their new head coach or they could remove the interim tag from Rodney Terry and give him the full-time job.

Count NBA legend Charles Barkley in Terry’s corner.

“I don’t know why they haven’t taken the interim off his name,” Barkley said on TBS’ “Inside March Madness” pregame show. “He’s done a fabulous job.”

Prior to Texas’ game against Colgate, Barkley made a strong case for Terry to lose the interim tag after taking over in Chris Beard’s place in December. Texas is a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and won the Big 12 Tournament under Terry’s leadership, which is no small feat.

During his answer, Barkley also reacted to Ole Miss’ decision to hire Beard to replace Kermit Davis. Although he doesn’t know Beard personally, Barkley said he’s happy for him as a coach.

“It was a very unfortunate situation, the way it happened,” Barkley said of how Terry took over as Texas’ interim head coach. “I know I shouldn’t say this right now … but I’m glad Coach Beard got another job. I’m not going to get into his personal business. I like him as a coach. I don’t know him as a person. I’m glad he’s getting another opportunity in the SEC. … This guy [Terry] should get the head job. I don’t know what they’re waiting on. He’s done a fabulous job.”

Beard was suspended without pay after his arrest on felony domestic violence charges in December. However, his fiancee later released a statement calling for the charges against Beard to be dropped. The district attorney ended up dropping the charge in February, and he was officially hired at Ole Miss March 13.

Now, Texas will wait to see how far it gets in the NCAA Tournament before deciding Terry’s fate. Earlier this week, Stadium reporter Jeff Goodman talked about the chances Terry gets the full-time job if the Longhorns make a run in March madness.

“They’re going to swing for some of the big boys, if they don’t hire Rodney Terry,” Goodman said on The Field of 68. “If Rodney Terry goes deep, they’re going to have to give it to Rodney Terry. They don’t want to. Chris Del Conte doesn’t want to, ultimately.

“But he may have no choice if Rodney Terry goes deep, second weekend or beyond. If not, they’re going to try to swing for the fences.”