Texas Tech Basketball: Head coach Chris Beard's fast track to stardom

Texas Tech Basketball: Head coach Chris Beard’s fast track to stardom

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders cuts the net after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 30, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 08: Head coach Chris Beard of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half during the 2019 NCAA men’s Final Four National Championship game at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 08, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Beard’s first job was at the small Texas school

Beard’s first head coaching job came at now Division II McMurry University, where he led the War Hawks’ program in the 2012-13 season. He finished his lone season at the helm with a 19-10 record and a 10-8 mark in the Heartland Conference, his team advanced to the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association regional final. Even in his first season, the trademark stalwart defense of a Chris Beard basketball team was very evident. In 13 of their 29 games, the War Hawks held opponents to 65 points or less, in five others, teams netted between 66 and 70, meaning teams scored over 70 just nine times in his first year as a head man.

During their three-game run in the NCCAA Tournament, Beard’s defense was extra stingy, surrendering just 56 points per game, including 68 in a 68-66 loss in the regional final. Even after one season it was clear that Beard wasn’t going to waste much time in putting his stamp on any team he was in charge of, and after one year at McMurry, he moved on to another Division II school in Texas, Angelo State. Beard’s defense was front and center at McMurry and that would be a very sturdy hook to hang is hat on in his career.

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