Marquette hires Texas' Smart as head coach

Marquette hired Texas' Shaka Smart as the program's next head coach, the school's vice president and director of athletics Bill Scholl announced Friday.

Smart, who grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, has been the Longhorns' head coach since 2015, compiling a 109-86 record with three NCAA Tournament appearances in that span.

"I'm grateful to (Marquette) president (Michael R.) Lovell and Bill Scholl for entrusting me with the growth and development of this storied basketball program and the student-athletes who make it so special," Smart said in a statement. "I am extremely excited to get to Milwaukee to begin building relationships and getting to work on the court!"

The 43-year-old engineered a sensational six-year run at Virginia Commonwealth before his time in Austin, leading the Rams to five March Madness appearances, including a Final Four run in 2011.

The Golden Eagles only made the NCAA Tournament twice under Steve Wojciechowski over the past seven seasons despite a 128-95 overall record and generally posting winning campaigns.