Texas Coach Vic Schaefer Seeks Elusive National Title in Fourth Final Four

Veteran coach has led Longhorns to NCAA Tournament's biggest stage for fourth time in career.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:00pm

A cubist, geometric painting in warm orange, blue, and red tones, depicting the dynamic action and movement of a women's basketball game in an abstract, fragmented style.Texas coach Vic Schaefer's quest for his first national championship takes center stage as the Longhorns return to the Final Four.Austin Today

Texas women's basketball coach Vic Schaefer is making his fourth appearance in the NCAA Final Four, seeking the first national championship of his illustrious career. Schaefer has guided the Longhorns to the sport's biggest stage three times previously, but has yet to capture the ultimate prize.

Why it matters

Schaefer is considered one of the top coaches in women's college basketball, having led Texas to consistent success and national prominence. A national title would cement his legacy and solidify the Longhorns as an elite program under his leadership.

The details

In his seven seasons at Texas, Schaefer has led the Longhorns to four Sweet Sixteen appearances, three Elite Eight finishes, and now four Final Four berths. The team's deep tournament runs have made them a consistent national power, but they have yet to break through and win a national championship.

  • Texas is making its fourth Final Four appearance under Schaefer in 2026.
  • Schaefer previously led the Longhorns to the Final Four in 2021, 2022, and 2024, but they fell short of the national title each time.

The players

Vic Schaefer

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns women's basketball team, who is seeking his first national championship in his fourth Final Four appearance.

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What they’re saying

“We've been knocking on the door, and I'm hoping this is our year to kick it in and get that national championship.”

— Vic Schaefer, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns

What’s next

If Texas advances to the national championship game, they would play for the title on April 6th.

The takeaway

Schaefer's sustained success at Texas has made the Longhorns a perennial contender, but the veteran coach is still seeking to capture that elusive first national championship to cement his legacy.