Does Fired Longhorns Coach Chris Beard Already Have Power 5 Options?

Former Texas Longhorns coach Chris Beard could have a path back to coaching after his assault charges were dropped, but that's of course if teams are willing to take the risk.

Former Texas Longhorns coach Chris Beard was fired on Jan. 5 after third-degree felony assault charges loomed over his head.

However, those charges were dropped on Wednesday. Now, Beard could have a potential path back to the collegiate coaching ranks. Of course, that's if programs are willing to take the publicity risk that he'll come attached with.

And according to the New York Post, there are two "potential destinations" that make sense for Beard to resume his coaching career at should the phone start ringing.

"Ole Miss and Georgia Tech, schools that could be in the market for a new coach, seem like potential destinations," the site said. "Ole Miss last reached the Sweet 16 in 2001. Georgia Tech has gone dancing just once since 2010. Beard would instantaneously raise their respective profiles, likely have them back in the NCAA Tournament within a season or two."

The Ole Miss Rebels currently have a 10-17 record and are 2-12 in SEC play. Coach Kermit Davis led the team to the NCAA Tournament during his first year on the job in the 2018-19 season, but is on track to take the Rebels to their third losing season in the past four years. It could be no time before Ole Miss looks to make a change.

As for Georgia Tech, the Yellow Jackets are 11-16 and 3-13 in ACC play. A smaller program like Tech could want to take a big, but risky swing on Beard in order to turn things around.

But as of now, Beard remains without a job, and it will take a massive leap of faith for a team to want to take its chances with hiring him.

You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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