VCU's Shaka Smart appears to have Steve Patterson's nod of approval for the Texas Longhorns head coaching opening. The smoke has turned into so much fire that even the Worldwide Leader is picking it up. Awful Announcing Cup points for sneaking its internal writer, Jeff Goodman, as a source.
Texas has zeroed in on VCU basketball coach Shaka Smart in head coaching search. (via @GoodmanESPN & @HornsDigest) pic.twitter.com/kStKArV0cK
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 1, 2025
The additional ado about nothing definitive was from Chip Brown of Scout's HornsDigest, who reported earlier today ($) that Texas was "trying to finalize" a deal with Smart. CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein tweeted that Texas was in discussions with Smart yesterday evening, and Rothstein's coworker, Gary Parrish, backed up Brown's report in a tweet today as well.
The public stance from both sides is neither Smart nor Texas' administration have made contact directly. Pragmatics are quick to point out discreet unmentionables of possible contact via back channels.
Based on the information being trafficked over the internets, it would appear that Smart has risen to the top of Texas' wish list. Will Smart reciprocate the interest and swipe right? Will Steve get 'er done? Stay tuned.
