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Texas A&M coaching search: Chris Beard expected to stay at Ole Miss

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•04/02/25•

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NCAA Basketball: Mississippi State at Mississippi
Feb 15, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Chris Beard reacts during the first half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Chris Beard is expected to stay at Ole Miss after being considered the top candidate for the Texas A&M job, On3’s Pete Nakos has confirmed. The Rebels have offered a boost in his salary and NIL budget. On3’s OM Spirit first reported on the news for their VIP subscribers.

Beard just wrapped up his second season in Oxford, having the Rebels trending in the right direction. Ole Miss made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019 after finishing 24-12 overall and 10-8 against SEC competition.

The results were even better once in the dance. A Sweet 16 appearance was historic for the Rebels, breaking a drought over two decades long. Ole Miss was right there with Michigan State too, losing by three after leading at different points in the second half. It would have been a first-ever Elite Eight for the Rebels.

With Beard fully on board and extra funds coming its way, Ole Miss has to feel confident about the future. Beard has a proven track record of not just making the NCAA Tournament but also advancing. This year’s run was just the beginning for him. While the SEC is as competitive as ever, Ole Miss will be right there with the rest of the conference.

Texas A&M reportedly gave best efforts for Chris Beard

Ole Miss was able to keep Beard away from Texas A&M but not without a serious push from College Station. TexAgs’ Billy Lucci pointed out how the Aggies were going to give all their effort to lure Beard away. Athletic director Trev Alberts needs a big name after Buzz Williams’ departure and Beard would have been the largest of them all.

“A&M basketball doesn’t scare places typically,” Lucci said on TexAgs Live, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. “… That ties in with everything I’ve heard the last few days. When Jeff Goodman says, ‘Chris Beard will be a target.’ He is the target, in my opinion. For now. Doesn’t mean you’re going to get him. I will say, I think for anyone wondering, I said this before, I said it yesterday and I will say it now, they are going all out.

“If you want to know what commitment to basketball looks like, they’re making a commitment in going after this hire the way they are. If he stays in Oxford, it will be costly for them. And it certainly won’t be for lack of trying.”