Report: Texas basketball coach Chris Beard makes multiple changes to his Longhorns staff

Texas underwent some coaching changes in their basketball program this offseason, meaning Chris Beard has a couple of moves to make before the 2022-2023 season began. Needing a new assistant coach and Special Assistant to the Head Coach, the decisions have reportedly been made.

According to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, former Wyoming and UIC head coach Steve McClain will serve as Texas’ Special Assistant to the Head Coach. McClain spent last season on staff at Georgia, working with Tom Crean.

McClain has experience in the Big 12, working as an assistant wit Colorado just before their move to the Pac-12. Prior to Georgia, the last major program the new Texas assistant was on staff with was Indiana in the Big Ten — again, working for Crean.

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With the new assistant coaching spot, Beard will be promoting from within. Bob Donewald has earned the role, serving last season as a special assistant. Donewald has been with Beard over the past two seasons, going back to the Texas Tech days.

College basketball is relatively new for Donewald, with most of his experience coming outside of the United States. China was the main country he worked in, coaching multiple different teams. However, the Chinese National Team was the pinnacle for Donewald, winning the 2010 Asian Games and 2011 FIBA Asian Championships.

Ulric Maligi was a top assistant in Austin last season for Beard. However, he left for conference foe Kansas State recently in favor of joining Jerome Tang’s staff.

With the staff now completed, Texas will roll into the season with some high expectations. Beard has once again worked the transfer portal well, bringing in some of the best available talent. Iowa State transfer Tyrese Hunter is expected to be huge for the program, while true freshman Dillon Mitchell is reportedly already turning heads.

The goal in Austin will be competing in the Big 12 and making some kind of deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Beard is hoping these types of coaching staff hires can make a difference throughout an entire year.