Texas Tech hires Baylor assistant Joey McGuire as head coach
Texas Tech has identified its next head coach.
Sources told Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel that Texas Tech will announce Joey McGuire as its new football coach on Monday. The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal first reported the news, which was later confirmed by the university.
McGuire is currently the associate head coach and outside linebackers coach at Baylor and has been on the staff at Baylor for the past five seasons. He was part of the staff under Matt Rhule that revitalized the program following the downfall of the Art Briles era. And when Rhule left for the NFL, McGuire was retained by Dave Aranda.
Baylor was the first college job for McGuire, who was previously a longtime high school coach in Texas. Most notably, McGuire was the head coach at Cedar Hill High outside of Dallas. Over 12 seasons (2003-14), McGuire led Cedar Hill to three state titles, seven district titles, nine bi-district titles and a 141-42 overall record.
McGuire’s ability to recruit throughout Texas was a big selling point for Texas Tech administrators. McGuire will be introduced at a press conference on Tuesday.
"We are excited for this new chapter in Texas Tech Football under the direction of Coach McGuire," Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt said. "Our search committee was impressed from the outset not only with his significant ties throughout the state of Texas but his enthusiasm and desire to serve as the head coach at Texas Tech."
McGuire to start at Texas Tech immediately
With the early signing period fast approaching, McGuire will start at Texas Tech immediately even with Baylor at 7-2 and still in the Big 12 title hunt.
Sonny Cumbie, TTU's offensive coordinator, will continue as the team's interim head coach for the remainder of the season, including a possible bowl game.
McGuire will "assume head coaching duties immediately following the 2021 football season," the school said.
The Red Raiders, currently 5-4, will close out their season with games against Iowa State, Oklahoma State and Baylor.
McGuire replaces Matt Wells, who was fired on Oct. 25. Wells did not make it through his third season in Lubbock. Overall, he amassed a 13-17 record at TTU with a 7-16 mark in Big 12 play. The Red Raiders were 5-3 when Wells was fired. They lost to Oklahoma in the first game following Wells’ dismissal and had a bye this past weekend.
