Report: Chris Beard initiated contact with Texas A&M before job opened, leveraged for more money at Ole Miss

Chris Beard informed Ole Miss on Wednesday that he will remain the Rebels’ head coach moving forward. This comes after his discussion with Texas A&M over their current head coaching vacancy.

Beard is now set to receive a raise and an enhanced NIL package for his program. According to a report from Brian Davis, who has covered Texas sports since 2013, however, Texas A&M might not have been the first to reach out. The discussion may have been a part of a greater plan for Beard.

“Texas A&M officials genuinely believed Chris Beard wanted their basketball job, especially when Beard initiated contact, through intermediaries, before the Aggies had a vacancy,” Davis’ report reads. “Aggies were ready to make the bold hire, make him one of highest paid coaches in hoops. Beard, a native Texan, told A&M people about his passion for the state and his newfound desire to beat rival Texas.

“Beard purposely avoided the UT departure topic this season; he remains close friends with now-former Texas coach Rodney Terry. When the A&M job actually opened, Beard leveraged A&M’s interest for more money from Ole Miss. A&M officials understand the importance of the hire, sources told me. But on to the next candidate. Pressure building on AD Trev Alberts to get it right.”

Texas A&M was reportedly “going all out” in its pursuit of Beard’s services. Instead, he’s running back back in Oxford with the Rebels for the foreseeable future.

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.

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 should be expected to be right there with the rest of the conference.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.