Photo Courtesy of MSU Athletics
- Story by SportsTalk Mississippi MSU Beat Reporter Brian Hadad
Mississippi State’s women’s basketball took a huge blow on Sunday, as Vic Schaefer has been named as the new head coach at the University of Texas. No official announcement has been made, but Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte tweeted a picture of himself and Schaefer with his family.
Guess who’s coming to the Forty…🏀🤘🏽 pic.twitter.com/hSAyjbvqTH
— Chris Del Conte (@_delconte) April 5, 2020
Schaefer leaves Mississippi State after 8 seasons, which saw him elevate the Bulldog program from the bottom of the SEC to perennial champions. Schaefer’s resume in Starkville includes a record of 221-62, two SEC championships, an SEC Tournament championship, and five NCAA Tournaments with two national championship game appearances. His final team was poised to make another tournament appearance before the cancelation of all winter championships due to the coronavirus. Schaefer was a three-time SEC Coach of the Year, and the 2018 Naismith National Coach of the Year.
After the move was announced, Mississippi State AD John Cohen released the following statement:
“Earlier today, I met with our young women and informed them that a national search for our next head women’s basketball coach is underway.
I shared with the team that we will be thoughtful and thorough during the process, and that I am confident we will find a great leader for this program. We are looking for a relentless recruiter, someone who understands our deep meaning of family, someone who understands the Mississippi State culture, and a hungry competitor with an elite work ethic. We want someone who knows the game inside and out and has an innovative skill set.
Mississippi State is a special place that is incredibly attractive because of our student-athletes, because of our community, and because of our success. I have no doubt that we will identify someone who will guide us on our continued path to competing at an elite level on the court, in the classroom and in the community, alongside the most devoted fans in college basketball.
I could not be more proud of our young women’s dedication, energy and passion for each other and the Bulldog Family. They are the reason that so many coaches have an interest in this position. We are excited for the next chapter of Mississippi State women’s basketball.”
