Buzz Williams Moves to Maryland, Sparking Search for New Texas A&M Basketball Coach

The college basketball world was shaken on Tuesday when Buzz Williams, coach of Texas A&M, made a surprising move by accepting a position at Maryland. This unexpected shift occurred shortly after Villanova appointed former Maryland coach Kevin Willard as Kyle Neptune's successor. Williams, who led Texas A&M for six seasons, propelled the team to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Under his guidance, the Aggies achieved at least 21 victories in each of the last four seasons. Their most recent campaign in 2024-25 culminated in a loss to Michigan, a No. 5 seed, in the NCAA Tournament's second round. With Williams now heading to College Park, athletic director Trev Alberts finds himself at a pivotal juncture, with an opportunity to revitalize and steer the Texas A&M basketball program in a new direction. Alberts, who assumed his role in 2024, did not initially hire Williams, and now faces the challenge of finding the right person to fill the void. Previously, Ole Miss's Chris Beard was viewed as a front-runner for the position, but developments indicate that he has chosen to remain with the Rebels, further opening up the field of candidates.

Brad Underwood's Success at Illinois

One prime candidate Texas A&M might consider is Brad Underwood. Known for his accomplishments at Stephen F. Austin, Underwood has been making strides at Illinois since 2017. His leadership has resulted in the program reaching the NCAA Tournament for five consecutive seasons. The 2020 tournament, which would have marked Illinois' first appearance under his helm, was unfortunately canceled due to the pandemic. Nonetheless, Underwood guided Illinois to the Elite Eight last spring, marking the team's deepest run since 2005. His overall coaching record stands at a commendable 274-128, and he remains a respected figure in college basketball circles.

Porter Moser's Impact in Oklahoma

Another candidate worth noting is Porter Moser, who has been gradually raising the profile of Oklahoma's basketball program. Under his direction, Oklahoma recently made its inaugural NCAA Tournament appearance, though they were bested by the reigning national champions, UConn, in the first round. Moser's impressive track record includes leading Loyola Chicago to a Final Four appearance in 2008. Notably, Moser has a connection to Texas A&M, having served as an assistant coach there from 1996 to 1998, which might prove advantageous should he seek to return.

Fred Hoiberg's Coaching Journey

Fred Hoiberg also emerges as a potential contender for the coaching vacancy. A veteran coach, Hoiberg has been with Nebraska since 2019, ushering the team to the NCAA Tournament last spring for the first time in a decade. Although Nebraska couldn't maintain their momentum, finishing with five straight losses that dashed their postseason hopes, Hoiberg's achievements as a coach are noteworthy. His cumulative record stands at 196-164, and he shares a connection with Alberts from their time together at Nebraska.

Chris Jans and His Achievements at Mississippi State

Chris Jans is another intriguing prospect for the Texas A&M coaching job. Since taking charge at Mississippi State, Jans has achieved an impressive record, consistently leading his team to 20-win seasons and three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. To put it in perspective, Mississippi State had only once before accomplished such consistency in tournament attendance, back in 2002-05. Known for his outside-the-box approach, Jans boasts familiarity with the SEC, making him a compelling option for Texas A&M.

Grant McCasland's Rapid Rise in Coaching

The final candidate on this shortlist is Grant McCasland, who might be regarded as a wild card. Bursting onto the scene, McCasland has quickly earned respect for his success at Texas Tech, having led the team to an Elite Eight finish. Formerly with Arkansas State and North Texas, McCasland cut his teeth as a long-time assistant at Baylor under Scott Drew. Since taking the reins at Texas Tech, he has transformed the Red Raiders into a formidable force within the Big 12. Although the prospect of him leaving Texas Tech for Texas A&M remains uncertain, it could be a worthwhile venture for Texas A&M to explore.

Conclusion on Texas A&M's Path Forward

With Buzz Williams's departure, Texas A&M now stands at a crossroads. Athletic director Trev Alberts has the unique chance to bring in a new coaching talent capable of continuing the successes of previous seasons while instilling fresh vigor into the program. Whether it be looking toward proven leaders like Brad Underwood and Porter Moser or considering more unconventional and promising figures such as Chris Jans and Grant McCasland, the pathway forward offers multiple exciting possibilities. As Texas A&M seeks the ideal candidate to lead its basketball team, each potential coach possesses a unique blend of experience and innovation, promising to keep the Aggies competitive and aspirational for seasons to come.