**Chris Beard Fires Back at Critics After Ole Miss’ Victory Over North Carolina
Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard didn’t hold back after his team’s statement win over North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament. Following the upset, Beard took the opportunity to respond to his critics, defending both his program and the resilience of his players.
“All season, people have doubted us,” Beard said in his postgame press conference. “But we don’t listen to outside noise. We focus on what we can control—our work, our preparation, and our belief in each other.”
Beard, who has faced scrutiny throughout the season, made it clear that he never lost confidence in his team. He credited their discipline and commitment as the driving forces behind their tournament success. “This team has worked relentlessly to be in this position. We’ve had setbacks, but we’ve never made excuses. That’s what great teams do,” he added.
Ole Miss entered the game as an underdog against a highly regarded North Carolina squad, but they executed Beard’s game plan to near perfection. With disciplined defense and efficient scoring, they stunned the Tar Heels and advanced to the next round. The victory not only reinforced Beard’s coaching philosophy but also proved that Ole Miss is a legitimate contender.
Despite the criticism he’s faced, Beard remains focused on the future. “We’re not done yet,” he said. “We respect every opponent, but we’re here to win. That’s our mindset, and that won’t change.”
With the Rebels gaining momentum at the perfect time, Beard’s fiery response sends a clear message: Ole Miss is a force to be reckoned with, and they’re ready to prove their doubters wrong.
