As Rice athletic director Joe Karlgaard asked around about possible candidates who would be the right fit to become the Owls' women's basketball coach, he kept hearing the same name.

"It wasn't just that I heard her name once or twice. I heard it multiple times," Karlgaard said of Maryland associate head coach Tina Langley, who on Tuesday was named the fifth head coach in the history of Rice's program. "It appeared to me she ought to be somebody we reach out to."

Langley signed a five-year deal, according to a person close to the situation. She formally will meet the team Wednesday.

In seven seasons at Maryland as the top assistant on coach Brenda Frese's staff, Langley was part of teams that advanced to the NCAA Tournament six times, made four Elite Eight appearances, and went 195-49. This season, Maryland went unbeaten in Big Ten play, tied a school record with 34 wins, and reached the Final Four.

"This is a terrific move by Rice," Frese said. "Tina is a star in this business."

Langley replaces Greg Williams, who stepped down last month after 10 seasons.

"We think she brings the exact right combination of skills to Rice," Karlgaard said. "I sat down with the kids after coach Williams retired and asked them what they were looking for in a new head coach, and they were unanimous. They wanted someone who loved them, who would get to know them as people but also push them to be the best basketball players that they could be. And that's Tina."

Langley also has served as an assistant at Toledo, Clemson and Georgia.

"Throughout the interview process, it was clear to me that this administration is passionate about helping the women's basketball program succeed at the highest level," Langley said. "I am excited for what the future holds at Rice."