Coach Chris Beard‘s NCAA Head Coaching record is 237-98 (70.7% wins). He’s 11-5 during March Madness, having never lost in the first round of the tournament. After his controversial departure from his Alma Mater, the University of Texas, and after the felony charges against him were dismissed, the University of Mississippi was willing to take a chance on Beard and name him their 23rd Head Coach. All eyes are on Oxford, MS to see whether the proven coach can win there the way he’s won everywhere else.
How Will Chris Beard Do in His First Year Coaching Ole Miss Rebels Men’s Basketball?
In its genesis episode, the new SEC basketball podcast “Southern HOOPSitality” interviewed Coach Chris Beard as he is preparing for his first season with Ole Miss Men’s Basketball. From culture-shaping to culinary favorites to the last chat he had with Ole Miss Rebels Football Head Coach Lane Kiffin, the conversation was both fun and informative.
Really enjoyed this 8-minute chat with @CoachBeard of @OleMissMBB!
Highlights:
– focus for the upcoming season
– a few dining faves in Oxford
– pregame cereal choice
– the team culture he's cultivating forThanks, Coach!
Episode 1 of Southern HOOPSitality.#SEC #Basketball pic.twitter.com/Zirff1xwEB
— Southern HOOPSitality 🎙️🏀 (@S_HOOPSitality) September 29, 2023
NOTE: Interview questions are bold and in italics. Coach Beard’s responses are in between.
So, pretend my son is a 6-8 guard with a 39 inch vertical. He’s shooting 47% from the 3 in game competition. Sell us on why Ole Miss; why should he, as your hashtag says, #cometotheSip?”
Well, I think Ole Miss is a great academic institution. One of the best college towns in the history of college athletics. Then, with our program, it’s pretty simple. We talk a lot about developing, winning, our culture, and about helping each guy get their dream job when they leave our organization.
Three favorite places to eat in Oxford?
That’s a hard one there. I’m not going to fall for that. It’s like asking me which of my three daughters is my favorite. But, I think one area of town that’s special is the Square. Down at the Square, I’ve had a lot of great meals at the Oxford Grillhouse, at Boure’s, and of course the pizza at Funkys.
You have no control over what you reap, but you do over what you sow. 3 seeds you’re planting for a winning culture at Ole Miss?
Discipline. Definitely toughness, both physical and also mental. And the idea of respect. I know no other way of winning than with those core values.
One of the last topics you causally chatted about with Lane Kiffin?
Ahh. Oxford, MS, as a matter of fact. Both of us know that this is a special place.
Besides Ole Miss, who will be the surprise in the SEC this year?
I don’t spend a lot of time, really any time, thinking how others are going to do. We are much more of a program focused on how and what we need to do. But I will say this. Chris Jans at Mississippi State is a friend of mine. It won’t be surprising for those of us who know him, but Mississippi State is going in the right direction, and they’ll continue to go in that direction under Jans.
Five words to describe your current perspective on the Transfer Portal?
It’s free agency without contracts.
What will Ole Miss Men’s Basketball have to overcome this season to take the next step upward and forward?
Time. Above all else, time is our biggest obstacle. It’s very difficult to win in year one. It can be done. We’ve done it before. But being urgent every day and understanding time is a real challenge.
Also, adversity. It’s not a matter of if it’s coming, but when it’s coming. I’ve always thought we will have to overcome status quo thinking. To do things that have never been done before, you have to have a new plan, a new way of thinking.
Next season, Texas and Oklahoma join the SEC. What words come to mind when you pontificate that one.
That’s an easy one. In my opinion, it will be the best conference in college basketball. It will be undeniable. Also, when I think of the SEC, I think of the facts. This league produces more NBA players than any other league, and it has for a long time.
One element of your pregame ritual you’re willing to share?
Lucky Charms. Going back to my junior college days. Also, consistent family FaceTime within a couple hours of tip.
Three favorite basketball movies of all time?
Got asked that the other day. Definitely Glory Road. Definitely Blue Chips, because of the Coach Knight connections to that movie. And then, of course, Hoosiers. Probably my all-time favorite.
Top three goals the team has set for the 2023-2024 season?
I’m not a big goals guy. More of standards and vision. We want to be one of those teams that puts ourself in position to win six games in three weekends in the NCAA Tournament. But specifically, we are trying to establish a culture. We are trying to win. And we are trying to create a home court advantage here in Oxford with regular, committed, dependable attendance; trying to create a great environment within the Pavilion.
It’s February 2024. The knowledgeable fan describes Ole Miss Men’s Basketball with which adjectives?
I’d say culture. That team definitely has a culture. It’s undeniable. They have a culture. There’s some things they stand for. There’s consistency. That team is trying to do much more than win the game. Culture is really important for us.
Obviously winning. There is a scoreboard in this life, in this profession, in this game.
Then, I think, hopefully they say, “Those guys have a lot of fun. There’s joy to what they do. They really enjoy what they do together.”
A player graduates from Ole Miss. Three character traits he took from playing for you?
Loyalty. Mental toughness. And for lack of better words, just an old school work ethic – getting up and doing what you’re supposed to do every day.
What is the one message you want Ole Miss fans to hear going into this season?
That we are all in this together. This isn’t my team or our team. This is everyone’s team. You win through relationships. And you win through commitment, when people get emotionally attached to the program, whether it be our student body or season ticket holders or Ole Miss fans and alumni.
The message is WE NEED YOU.
I know no other way to win other than to have great relationships and to have a great home court advantage. We feel like we have the best facility in college basketball, with no disrespect to other facilities – the Pavilion. We know we have a great campus, a great fan base, a great state. But to win, we really do need everyone.
Who else should we invite for an interview onto Southern HOOPSitality?
Yeah. We do the Fireside Chats here. We think about that from time to time. I’ll tell you who is on top of our list. If you can get it done before us, we sure would appreciate an assist. To me, that’s Snoop Dogg. He’s from the state of Mississippi. He has a lot of pride in the state of Mississippi. And so, we would love to have him on our Fireside Chat. And I strongly suggest he could bring up your ratings, as well!
