Texas A&M Athletic Director Trev Alberts will continue his search for Texas A&M's next head basketball coach. Still, as of Thursday, just two days after Buzz Williams departed for Maryland, Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard can officially be crossed off the list after it was reported that he signed an extension with the Rebels after nearly accepting the offer Alberts provided.
After the news broke, details were slim regarding the contract between both parties, but according to Austin American-Statesman beat writer Brian Davis revealed through sources, Alberts was ready to offer Beard one of the most significant contracts in the league, as Beard remained the No. 1 target as soon as Williams left the program. However, Beard used Texas A&M's interest as leverage, increasing his salary to match what the Aggies offered, rumored to be nearly $7 million per year.
None of this is surprising, but blaming Trev Alberts for losing out on a coach who only had one foot out the proverbial door is just a part of the process in today's college basketball landscape, working with agents to gain leverage in any discussion, especially when a school like Texas A&M with deep pockets comes calling.
Sources: Texas A&M officials genuinely believed Chris Beard wanted their basketball job, especially when Beard initiated contact, through intermediaries, before the Aggies had a vacancy. Aggies were ready to make the bold hire, make him one of highest paid coaches in hoops.…
— Brian Davis (@byBDavis) April 3, 2025
Alberts swung for the fences and struck out, which is admirable for a program looking to land a big fish. However, Texas A&M's basketball program is not considered a blue-blood with the allure of the current team in the Final Four. Still, plenty of veteran and younger options are available to interview, but the clock is certainly ticking.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: New details of Texas A&M basketball's pursuit of Chris Beard revealed
