Texas does not extend contract of head coach Karen Aston

Texas will not renew the contract of head coach Karen Aston the school announced Friday. Aston led the program for eight seasons and finishes with a 184-83 (93-51, Big 12) record overall. This past season the Longhorns finished 19-11 (11-7, Big 12) before the NCAA postseason was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic. Her contract runs through Aug. 31, 2020.

Statement from Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte:

“This was an extremely difficult decision as Coach Aston’s contract was up and we put a great deal of thought into it, but decided not to extend it,” Del Conte said. “We can’t thank Coach Aston enough for everything she’s done for The University of Texas and our Texas Women’s Basketball program. She has given her all, as have the staff members. She has been totally committed to our program and everyone involved in it for eight years. We have had our successes and challenges, and through it all, Coach Aston has been a first-class representative of UT. She is a dedicated coach and special person. After evaluating and reviewing where we stand as a program and discussing the future, we have determined to move in a different direction with our continued goals to work to contend for conference championships and NCAA elite status.

“For our student-athletes, staff, letterwinners, fans, alumni and donors, we recognize the challenge of making a change in this particular springtime, but there is never a right time for a difficult decision like this. We feel it is in the best interest of our program to move forward now and establish new direction for the 2020-21 season.”