After Buzz Williams' departure from Texas A&M to Maryland, the university faces the critical task of selecting a new basketball coach who can maintain competitiveness in the SEC and elevate the program's postseason success. Williams led the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament three times but never advanced past the first round, so the new hire should ideally bring a proven track record, SEC familiarity, and the ability to make an immediate impactespecially with the transfer portal currently open. Below, I recommend a top candidate and provide alternatives, balancing quality (success and fit) with feasibility (likelihood of accepting the job).
Top Recommendation: Chris Jans
Why Chris Jans?
SEC Experience: As the current head coach at Mississippi State, Jans understands the demands of the SEC, a highly competitive conference. This familiarity would ease his transition to Texas A&M and help him navigate recruiting and rivalries.
Consistent Success: Jans has a Division I record of 206-84, with three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances at Mississippi State. His ability to consistently reach the postseason demonstrates reliability, a step up from Williams' tenure.
Feasibility: Unlike coaches entrenched at top-tier programs (e.g., Illinois or Texas Tech), Jans might see Texas A&M as a career advancement opportunity. Mississippi State is a solid program, but A&M offers greater resources and prestige, making the move plausible without an exorbitant buyout or resistance.
Fit: His experience at a mid-tier SEC school suggests he can handle the pressure of a bigger program while bringing a winning culture. While his teams haven't won an NCAA Tournament game yet, his consistency positions him to build on A&M's foundation.
Potential Concern: Jans lacks deep tournament runs (e.g., Elite Eight), which some fans might prioritize. However, his past controversy at Bowling Green appears resolved, as his subsequent success has overshadowed it.
Strong Alternatives
If Jans is unavailable or not the preferred choice, here are other high-quality, feasible options:
1. Grant McCasland
Quality: Currently at Texas Tech, McCasland led the Red Raiders to an Elite Eight appearance recently, showcasing his ability to achieve deep tournament runs. His 135-65 record at North Texas further highlights his winning pedigree.
Fit: A Texas native (from Irving) and former Baylor player, McCasland has strong state ties, which could boost recruiting. His success in the Big 12, another elite conference, suggests he can handle the SEC's intensity.
Feasibility: McCasland might be reluctant to leave Texas Tech after such recent success, and one source notes he "may say no to the job." However, A&M's resources and SEC platform could tempt him if the offer is compelling.
Why Not #1?: His potential unwillingness to move lowers his feasibility compared to Jans.
2. Brad Underwood
Quality: Coaching at Illinois, Underwood boasts a 274-128 career record, five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, and an Elite Eight run. His track record at a Big Ten powerhouse signals he could elevate A&M significantly.
Fit: Underwood's experience in a major conference prepares him for the SEC's challenges, and his offensive-minded teams could excite Aggie fans after Williams' defensive focus.
Feasibility: Luring him from Illinois, where he's established since 2017, could be difficult and expensive. He lacks Texas ties, and there's no clear indication he's seeking a move.
Why Not #1?: His entrenched status at Illinois makes him less attainable than Jans.
3. Alan Huss
Quality: At High Point, Huss won back-to-back conference titles in his first two years as head coach and took the Panthers to their first NCAA Tournament. His high-scoring offense (22nd nationally in points per game) offers an exciting style.
Fit: Young and energetic, Huss could bring a fresh perspective and long-term stability to A&M. His rapid success suggests adaptability, though the SEC is a big leap from mid-major competition.
Feasibility: Huss would likely jump at the A&M job, though a recent contract extension at High Point might increase his buyout. A&M's resources should overcome this hurdle.
Why Not #1?: His limited experience (two years) and lack of major conference exposure make him a riskier pick than Jans.
Other Considerations
Mid-Major Options: Pat Kelsey (College of Charleston) and Scott Cross (Troy) are solid, with Cross offering Texas ties for recruiting. However, neither matches the major-conference experience or upside of the top candidates.
Outside-the-Box Picks: Jason Kidd (NBA) and Kevin Boyle (high school) are intriguing but impractical. Kidd's NBA commitments and Boyle's lack of college experience make them long shots.
Timing: With the transfer portal open, a college coach like Jans, McCasland, or Underwoodalready adept at roster managementcan act swiftly to retain players and attract transfers.
Final Recommendation
Chris Jans stands out as the best hire for Texas A&M, offering a blend of SEC experience, consistent tournament appearances, and realistic attainability. His appointment would ensure stability and competitiveness while allowing room for growth in postseason success. If A&M seeks a bigger splash, Grant McCasland or Brad Underwood are worth pursuing, though they're harder to secure. For a high-upside gamble, Alan Huss could be a visionary choice. Given the urgency and program needs, Jans is the smart, pragmatic pick to lead the Aggies forward.
