On Friday afternoon, the expected came to fruition: Shaka Smart’s time as the Texas Longhorns head coach came to a close. However, in a move that benefitted both sides, Smart’s departure came with the news that he’s agreed to become the next head coach at Marquette. So not only did Smart get a soft landing and a fresh start back home in Wisconsin, but Texas avoided what would have been a $7.1 million buyout had the Horns parted with with him.
By most accounts, it was simply time for that marriage to end, and now that it officially has, Texas needs its next head basketball coach.