Chris Long spent two years coaching at Vicksburg High before moving to women’s college basketball power Louisiana Tech as an assistant.

Now, he may get his shot to lead the Lady Techsters as the team’s head coach.

Long was named interim head coach on Monday after Kurt Budke, the team’s coach for the past three years, left for Oklahoma State. A search for a full-time coach will begin soon, athletic officials said.

“This is something I definitely want,” said Long, who had an opportunity to coach at New Mexico State two years ago but decided to stay in Ruston. “I think the future is bright here. But first and foremost, I want to coach the kids here.”

Budke, a Salina, Kan., native, had been at Louisiana Tech for three seasons. The opportunity to coach in the Big 12, and closer to home, swayed his decision.

“I can never thank (Dr.) Dan Reneau and Jim Oakes for giving me this chance at what is considered one of the greatest women’s basketball programs in the country,” Budke said. “It’s been the funnest three years of my life.”

The Lady Techsters finished last season 20-10 and made the NCAA Tournament.

The team won its third straight Western Athletic Conference championship and made three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. He compiled an 80-16 record in his three seasons.

“It’s a good opportunity for him,” Long said. “I know he wanted to get back to the Big 12 Conference and be closer to home.”

Long has taken every opportunity since being hired at Vicksburg High during the 1997-98 season. He coached the Missy Gators star player Catrina Frierson, who went to Tech after her senior season.

Long followed and was an assistant under Leon Barmore.

“I’ve had some great mentors, from Doc (Stephens) at Vicksburg to Coach Barmore here,” Long said. “There’s no question they’ve had an effect on me.”

Long has been one of the Lady Techsters’ chief recruiters since arriving in Ruston, and said his team coming back has a lot of potential.

The team loses three seniors – two of them starters. He also said he has the overwhelming support of the players.

“We have a group coming back that can be very successful,” Long said.