College Station, Texas ? Billy Kennedy donned a maroon jacket Monday and officially became Texas A&M’s basketball coach.
He succeeds Mark Turgeon, who resigned a week ago to take over at Maryland following Gary Williams’ abrupt retirement.
“This is a destination job for me,” said Kennedy, who is from Louisiana but spent the past five seasons at Murray State.
About 150 fans were at Reed Arena’s basketball complex for Kennedy’s introduction. Texas A&M athletic director Bill Byrne says he was seeking someone “who understands our culture here at Texas A&M.”
“When you start looking around, this man fits the bill,” Byrne said.
Most of the players whom Kennedy inherited attended the news conference, despite school not being in session, and afterward spoke of their support for him.
So did touted 2011 signees Jamal Branch and Jordan Green, who also came out to support the new coach.
The 47-year-old Kennedy compiled a 107-53 record at Murray State. He led the Racers to the round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament in 2010, where they lost by two points to eventual national runner-up Butler.
