Official Statement from Rodney Terry Following His Dismissal from the University of Texas
March 24, 2025
It is with mixed emotions that I make this official statement after my dismissal as head coach of the University of Texas men’s basketball team. Over the course of my tenure, both as an assistant coach and later as the interim head coach, I have had the privilege and honor of working with an incredible group of student-athletes, dedicated staff members, and passionate supporters who have made my time at Texas an unforgettable experience. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to such a storied program and to have been part of a university with a rich history of success both on and off the court.
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to the players who entrusted me to lead them, to help them grow as individuals, and to be part of their basketball journey. The bonds we created were truly special, and I have the utmost respect for every young man who has worn the Texas Longhorns uniform. As coaches, we always strive to push our players to their limits—on the court, in the classroom, and in life. The effort and commitment they displayed day in and day out will stay with me for the rest of my career, and I will always be proud of what we accomplished together.
I also want to take this moment to thank the University of Texas, the athletic department, and specifically athletic director Chris Del Conte for believing in me and giving me the chance to lead the program. Becoming the head coach of the Texas Longhorns was a dream come true, and I will forever be grateful for the support the university gave me during my time here. There were challenges along the way, but the collective spirit and passion of the Longhorn family kept me motivated, determined, and proud of our team’s efforts.
I also acknowledge the role that my assistant coaches and support staff played in helping to make this program successful. Our coaching staff worked tirelessly to build a culture of hard work, discipline, and mutual respect. Together, we sought to provide the best possible environment for our players to succeed on the court while supporting their growth as individuals. Every member of the support staff—from video analysts to strength coaches to trainers—played a vital role in creating an atmosphere where excellence was not just expected but also achieved.
I want to specifically thank my long-time assistant coaches, who have been instrumental in the development of this program. Their commitment, dedication, and tireless work ethic made my job much easier, and the players grew under their tutelage. From recruiting efforts to game strategy and everything in between, their contributions to this program are immeasurable. Their professionalism and love for the game of basketball are qualities that I will take with me and cherish as I continue my journey in this great sport.
The basketball community at Texas has been a source of pride for me. The fans, the alumni, and the entire university have shown unwavering support for our program, and it has been an honor to represent them. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the passionate Texas basketball fans who have been with us every step of the way, whether at the Frank Erwin Center, on the road, or through social media. Your commitment to our team was invaluable, and I could not have asked for a better group of supporters. You were there during both the highs and lows, and you made every moment worth fighting for.
That being said, I recognize that the recent performance of the team did not meet the high standards expected of this program. As a coach, I fully understand the accountability that comes with the responsibility of leading such a prominent team. In the end, results matter. I accept that the program was unable to achieve the level of success that we set out to accomplish, and I acknowledge that the decision to part ways was made with that in mind.
As difficult as this moment is, I want to emphasize that I hold no ill will toward the university or the athletic department. I understand the competitive nature of college athletics and the constant pursuit of excellence. Coaching at this level is a highly demanding and fast-moving profession. Programs are in a constant state of evolution, and decisions are made to ensure that they remain competitive on a national scale. My departure, while painful, is simply a part of that larger narrative. I respect the process and will always have the utmost respect for the University of Texas.
As I reflect on my time at Texas, I want to acknowledge the many moments of growth and improvement that we experienced. When I was named interim head coach, I inherited a team that had faced its share of challenges. However, we quickly turned things around, and we saw progress, especially during the second half of that first season. It was an incredible testament to the resilience and heart of our players. Together, we built a foundation of hard work, discipline, and grit, which served us well during that period. We had some remarkable victories, some unforgettable comebacks, and some hard-fought battles that showed the true spirit of this team.
Through those challenging times, I had the opportunity to see the character of the young men on this team. They showed tremendous heart and growth, not just as basketball players but as people. It was clear to me that their commitment to becoming better versions of themselves was always at the forefront of their minds. The work ethic, determination, and perseverance they exhibited every day in practice were an inspiration, and I will forever carry those lessons with me. I have no doubt that many of them will go on to have successful careers both in basketball and in life. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors, and I look forward to following their progress with pride.
To the future of Texas basketball, I believe this program is poised for success. The University of Texas has one of the most storied programs in college basketball history, and the resources and infrastructure are in place to continue competing at the highest level. The recruits we brought in, combined with the talent that remains, give me confidence that Texas basketball will continue to be a force in the Big 12 and beyond. The foundation that has been laid is solid, and I have no doubt that the next coach will have the opportunity to build on the work we began.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my family for their unwavering support throughout this entire process. They have been with me every step of the way, and their love and encouragement have meant the world to me. Coaching at this level requires a tremendous amount of sacrifice, and I am so grateful to my wife, children, and extended family for their patience, understanding, and belief in me. Their support has been a constant source of strength, and I could not have navigated the challenges of this profession without them.
Looking ahead, I remain incredibly passionate about the game of basketball. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue coaching, whether it’s at the college level, in professional basketball, or in another capacity. I have dedicated my life to the sport, and I will continue to seek out opportunities where I can contribute to the development of young athletes. The lessons I have learned during my time at Texas, both on the court and off, will continue to shape my philosophy as a coach.
Lastly, I want to thank everyone at the University of Texas, from the administration to the fans, for the opportunity to represent the Longhorns. It has been an honor and a privilege that I will always treasure. Though our journey together has come to an end, the memories and relationships I have built here will stay with me forever. I wish the University of Texas basketball program all the best moving forward, and I will always be a fan of the Longhorns.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible chapter in my life. It’s been a tremendous honor to coach at such a prestigious institution, and I will always be grateful for the chance to do so.
Sincerely,
Rodney Terry Head Coach (Former) University of Texas Men’s Basketball Team
This statement is designed to capture the gratitude, acknowledgment, and grace that would likely come from someone in Rodney Terry’s position, reflecting on his time with the Texas Longhorns after his dismissal. Let me know if you’d like to adjust any part!
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