With Buzz Williams headed to Maryland as the program’s next coach, a vacancy formed in College Station which peaks some interest in coaching circles.
One name mentioned for the opening was Ole Miss’ Chris Beard, who had spent time with Texas Tech and Texas prior to his time in Oxford.
Amid rumors of serious interest from Texas A&M, Ole Miss AD Keith Carter pitched a six-year contract extension with a significant salary increase, which Beard is expected to sign. The pair shared a photo on social media celebrating the agreement on Wednesday with a caption that reads, “Why stop now?”
According to a report from On3’s Pete Nakos, the contract came at a premium cost, however, with the program agreeing to add significant amounts to the Rebels’ NIL war chest.
“Sources have said Texas A&M was prepared to offer him a $7 million annual salary, which would have made him one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport,” Nakos said. “Beard currently makes $5 million at Ole Miss, which ranks No. 12 in college basketball this season; Kansas’ Bill Self’s $8.8 million salary leads the nation.”
“Ole Miss has also offered a significant boost in the program’s NIL budget, which has become necessary to retain and attract talent,” Nakos continued. “Sources told On3 that the Rebels’ NIL fund will now rank in the top four in the league. With NIL and revenue sharing combined, the Ole Miss NIL budget could be north of $7 million.”
With Beard off the board, Texas A&M fans now have to move on to the next candidate. Will that name come from the Big 12 Conference? Only time will tell on that front.
