Texas has fired men's basketball coach Chris Beard, the school announced Thursday.
The decision comes nearly a month after Beard was arrested and charged with third-degree felony assault after allegedly strangling, biting and scratching his fiancee in their Austin home.
Beard, who inked a seven-year, $35 million deal with the Longhorns prior to the 2021-22 season, was fired for just cause, the Austin American-Statesman reported. As such, Texas would not be required to pay him any of his remaining salary.
Texas has fired Texas men’s basketball coach Chris Beard pic.twitter.com/ZQUczImWXO
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) January 5, 2023
Beard was arrested on Dec. 12 after getting into a physical altercation with his fiancee at their shared home. Beard's fiancee told police that the 49-year-old "choked me, threw me off the bed, bit me, bruises all over my legs, throwing me around and going crazy."
He was subsequently booked and charged with third-degree felony assault on a family member impeding breath circulation.
MORE: What to know about felony charge against Chris Beard
Beard's fiancee recanted 11 days later, releasing a statement through her lawyer that said Beard did not strangle her. The woman also "did not refute" Beard's assertion that he was acting in self-defense.
Beard's felony assault charge remains as of Thursday afternoon. The former Longhorns coach also had an emergency protective order placed on him until at least Feb. 10, barring him from coming within 200 yards of his home and fiancee.
The Longhorns suspended Beard without pay following his arrest. At the time, Texas had risen to No. 2 in the AP rankings. The Longhorns (12-2) now sit at No. 6 with assistant coach Rodney Terry at the helm.
MORE: Chris Beard's fiancee says Texas coach did not strangle her, supports self-defense claim
Beard's lawyer, Perry Minton, has asserted his client's innocence since the arrest. On Thursday, he released a statement blasting UT's decision while alleging that the university "violated their agreement with the coach."
Chris Beard's attorney has released a statement pic.twitter.com/xZoX0fbce8
— Joe Cook (@josephcook89) January 5, 2023
The program detailed the reasons Beard was fired in a letter sent to Minton that came to light on Thursday afternoon.
"Chris Beard engaged in unacceptable behavior that makes him unfit to serve as head coach at our university," the letter read.
Attached is UT’s response to Perry Minton’s letter. pic.twitter.com/oFhtqyk1Ca
— Tyler Feldman (@TylerFeldmanTV) January 5, 2023
Terry will man the interim position for the remainder of the season after leading Texas to a 6-1 record in his seven games in charge.
"We thank Coach Rodney Terry for his exemplary leadership both on and off the court at a time when our team needed it most," athletic director Chris Del Conte said in a statement. "We are grateful he will remain the acting head coach for the remainder of the season. We are proud of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, who throughout this difficult time have continued to make us proud to be Longhorns."