COLLEGE STATION — Since the moment the clock struck zero in a loss March 22 to Michigan in Denver, it has been nothing short of a whirlwind for Texas A&M basketball.
Eight Aggies played their final game March 22 in the maroon and white. Then, Buzz Williams left for Maryland. A day later, forward Pharrel Payne, who was primed to be a centerpiece for the Aggies next season, entered the transfer portal.
To bookend a tumultuous 10 days: the swing and miss in luring current Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard. Beard, the Longhorns' former coach, was considered a top A&M candidate but reportedly agreed to a raise with Mississippi on Wednesday.
Now, A&M goes back to square one on its ever-evolving search for a new coach. The new leader must rebuild a roster that has just two players (both freshmen) on scholarship as of Thursday.
Some may think Williams is making a sidelong move to Maryland, which, like Texas A&M, has made the tournament three times since 2021 and was a four-seed this season. But the decision for Williams and A&M to part ways may go a bit deeper.
So, what went into Williams' departure, and what will the Aggies look for in their next coach? We analyze it all:
