Larry Brown, the only basketball coach to win both an NBA and NCAA title is the primary candidate for SMU’s empty basketball head coach job. (Associated Press)

After several days of negotiations after Larry Brown’s interview with the SMU athletic department Sunday, an agreement has been made. Brown will be the next head coach of the SMU men’s basketball team according to an announcement made my Steve Orsini, the director of athletics, Thursday. 

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to coach at SMU,” Brown said in a press release. “I’ve built so many relationships in the basketball world and my success has been due to the coaches I’ve played for and the players I’ve coached. I want to thank them all. I always thought of myself as a college coach and this gives me a wonderful chance to get back where I started.” 

Orsini and other members of the athletic department are also excited about the new addition.

“Larry Brown is one of the top coaches in the history of the game,” Orsini said in a press release. “He is a legend and has made every team he has ever coached a winner. As we transition into the nation’s top basketball conference, the BIG EAST, his leadership will be invaluable.” 

Brown is returning to college basketball after nearly a quarter century off campus. 

His famous NCAA Championship coaching Kansas in 1988 was also the last year SMU won an NCAA tournament game.

The SMU basketball program is going through several changes and improvements. Along with the new, high-profile coach, the Mustangs are planning a $40 million renovation of Moody Coliseum in preparation for their move to the Big East conference in 2013.