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Vic Schaefer gives heavy emotional reaction to Jay Hartzell leaving to SMU: 'I love that guy'

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•01/07/25•

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Vic Schaefer
Vic Shaefer (Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK)

SMU made headlines in the university administration world on Tuesday, hiring Texas president Jay Hartzell away from the Longhorns. One of the key pieces of helping Texas move to the SEC, it’s a huge loss on the 40 Acres and a move people in Dallas are celebrating.

Reactions have begun to pour in, including from active Texas head coaches. Women’s basketball’s Vic Schaefer was told the news while speaking to the media following a practice. Before then, the top thing on Schaefer’s mind was Thursday’s ranked matchup against Alabama in the Moody Center.

“Jay Hartzell is leaving?” Schaefer asked. “When did that happen?”

To say Schaefer was shocked would be an understatement. While he was happy for Hartzell on taking this new position, Schaefer had nothing but respect for the job the Texas president did. He believes SMU is getting one of the best out there, calling it a “home run.”

“God almighty,” Schaefer said. “I’m going to tell y’all something — I have worked for some really good presidents. He’s the best, man. Like, I love that guy. I did not know that that happened. I’m certainly happy for him because I think he is a great man. I think he is the best. They hit a home run at SMU, that’s what they did… Dang it.”

This was the fifth season Schaefer had worked with Hartzell, being hired ahead of the 2020-2021 season. Schaefer has brought a ton of success to the program ever since, making three Elite Eights, a Big 12 regular season title, and two Big 12 Tournament championships.

Hartzell was a part of the group that hired Schaefer, with a trio of people playing a huge role in Texas athletics. Chris Del Conte is the athletic director while Kevin Eltife is the Chairman of the Board of Regents. Pulling Schaefer away from Mississippi State was a big move at the time.

Schaefer is in the midst of his first SEC season wearing burnt orange and performing well. Texas has a 15-1 overall record and has started conference play with two wins. On3’s Talia Goodman ranked the Longhorns at No. 4 in the latest women’s basketball top 25.

But moving forward, somebody else will be guiding Texas as the school’s president. Something Schaefer clearly believes will be big shoes to fill.