NCAAB News: Texas AD Chris Del Conte drops bold statement about new coach Sean Miller, with dig at fired Rodney Terry

After yet another disappointing early exit during the NCAA Tournament, the Texas Longhorns made an urgent decision. Coach Rodney Terry was fired after three years on the job, and Sean Miller was signed as the new manager at The Forty Acres. During Miller’s introduction as head coach in Texas, Athletic Director Chris Del Conte voiced a firm statement about Miller, with an apparent dig at Terry.

Under Terry, the Longhorns were unable to replicate the team’s success during March Madness 2023, when they reached the Elite Eight stage, before losing to the Miami Hurricanes in the Regional Final.

Terry’s Texas set sky-high expectations, but during the two next tournaments was unable to make it past the 2nd round. This year’s loss to Xavier during the First Four round was the straw that broke the camel’s back. After being eliminated from March Madness’ 64-team bracket, the University of Texas decided to step in a different direction than their coach.

After taking down Texas with Xavier, coach Sean Miller took the head coaching job in Austin, becoming the new leader at the helm of the Longhorns’ college basketball program. While introducing Miller to the school, AD Del Conte voiced a strong message about the incoming coach, with a subtle dig at Terry’s failures.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns talks with athletic director Chris Del Conte after the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2021 in Austin, Texas.

“We are about bringing championship coaches to the University of Texas,” Texas AD Chris Del Conte stated, per InsideTexas. “I’ve found a hungry dog. I’ve found someone that wants to win a championship.”

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Miller’s statement

After delivering Terry and the Longhorns a painful loss in the NCAA Tournament’s First Four—then later taking his job at Texas—Miller acknowledged that it might send the wrong message about his relationship with the former coach in Austin.

“I have immense respect for [Terry]. He’s a great man,” Miller stated. “He did an incredible job. He impacted Texas, the University of Texas, and its basketball program, in a much greater way than just his final three years.”

Head coach Sean Miller of the Xavier Musketeers calls out instructions in the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Fiserv Forum on March 21, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Hook ’em

The Longhorns are eager for a shot at a title, and though the 2025-26 season is still a long way ahead, Miller has embraced the pressure, voicing a firm message.

“I’m looking forward to competing for SEC Championships and being a perennially great program,” Miller added. “I know certainly from my perspective, hungry to get there. I’ll also tell you I know this place is hungry to get back there and compete and win a national championship.”