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There are many theories as to why Chris Beard decided to leave texas tech for the NBA, but we may never know the true reason.
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Reasons for leaving
Chris Beard, the head coach of the texas tech men’s basketball team, left his position on April 10th, 2021. Reasons for his departure have not been made public, but it is speculated that he may have been offered a head coaching position at another school. Here are some potential reasons for why Chris Beard may have left texas tech
Pursue coaching opportunities elsewhere
Beard was hired by Texas Tech in 2016, guided the Red Raiders to the NCAA title game in 2019 and decided to leave for a coaching opening at his Alma Mater, the University of Arkansas, less than two weeks after the championship game.
In an interview with ESPN, Beard said his decision to leave Texas Tech was “100 percent” about coaching opportunities elsewhere and not about any specific offers from other schools.
“It’s just time,” Beard said. “It’s just time for me to move on.”
Beard added that he had “no hard feelings” towards Texas Tech and that he was “thankful” for his time with the school.
Spend more time with family
Chris Beard has been open about the fact that family played a big role in his decision to leave Texas Tech for UNLV.
“Leaving Texas Tech was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make in my life,” Beard said in a press conference. “But when I sat down and talked to my wife about what was best for our family, it became pretty clear that this was the right thing to do.”
Beard said he didn’t want to uproot his family again after just two years in Lubbock, and he likes the idea of being closer to his parents and grandparents who live in Las Vegas.
Reactions to leaving
Chris Beard’s departure from Texas Tech has been met with a lot of mixed reactions. Some people are really upset that he’s leaving and some people are really happy. I think it’s really sad that he’s leaving because he’s been such a great coach for the past few years.
Sadness from fans
Beard’s departure from Lubbock was sudden, and fans and players alike were left reeling. The Red Raiders had just come off a historic season in which they made it to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history. Fans were hoping that Beard would stay on as head coach and help the team make an even deeper run in the tournament next year.
Some fans took to social media to express their disappointment with Beard’s decision to leave. One fan wrote, “Chris Beard breaking Red Raider hearts all over the state this morning. so many people thought he’d be our coach for life.” Another fan said, “I’m really upset about Chris Beard leaving Texas Tech. He did an amazing job with our basketball team and brought us so much joy. I wish him nothing but the best in his new venture.”
Appreciation for his time at Texas Tech
In a statement released by Texas Tech, Beard said “I want to express my sincere gratitude to the people of West Texas and all of Red Raider Nation for their support over the last four years. It has been one of the great joys and privileges of my life to serve as head coach of the men’s basketball program at my alma mater.”
Beard continued, “I will always cherish the relationships that I have built with so many wonderful people in Lubbock, on campus and within the basketball program. I want to thank President Lawrence Schovanec, Kirby Hocutt and all of the incredible people in the athletics department for their tireless efforts in building Texas Tech into one of the premier programs in the country.”
Wishes for his future success
In an emotional press conference earlier this week, Beard said that he hopes “nothing but the best” for Texas Tech. He said that he has “tremendous respect” for the university, its fans and its players.
Beard also said that while he loves coaching at Texas Tech, he feels like this is the right time for him to move on. He said that he’s grateful for the opportunity thatTexas Tech has given him and that he’ll always cherish his time there.
