Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire established the Red Raiders as a national power last season as they clinched a highly coveted spot in the 12-team field for the College Football Playoff. In addition, McGuire led the Red Raiders to the Big 12 championship, their first outright conference title since 1955.
Going into his fifth season in charge of the program, McGuire recruited the No. 2 transfer portal class, just behind the reigning national champions, the Indiana Hoosiers, as he seeks to turn the Red Raiders into perennial contenders.
Why Texas Tech Coach Joey McGuire Reaffirmed His Commitment to the Red Raiders
During an appearance on Wednesday’s segment of the “Jim Rome Show,” McGuire revealed why he had not been linked with a departure from Lubbock during the height of the fast and furious coaching carousel that gripped college football last year.
“That’s why you never heard my name,” McGuire said. “My guys that represent me, they know ‘do not put my name out there,’ and that’s how most coaches get their name out there, their agents are putting it out there. I told my guys, ‘My name should ever be mentioned in any job,’ because I have the best job in the country.
“There is no university more aligned when it comes to athletics and what they’re trying to do in all their programs. I work for the best AD [athletic director] in the country.”
After finishing the regular season with a stunning 11-1 record, the Red Raiders rewarded the outspoken McGuire with a seven-year contract extension through 2032. Under the terms of his contract, which is worth $51.9 million without incentives, his salary will top $7 million annually by the end of the deal.
McGuire started his coaching career at Crowley High School before moving to Cedar Hill High School and turning them into heavyweight contenders before taking the tight ends coaching job at Baylor in 2017. He then became the Bears’ associate head coach and defensive ends coach under coach Matt Rhule in 2019 before moving to outside linebackers coach under Dave Aranda in 2020.
He was appointed the Red Raiders’ head coach in 2021, and he immediately led them to an 8-5 record and their first winning conference season in 13 years. After recruiting the No. 1 transfer portal class in the country in 2025 with the backing of billionaire booster Cody Campbell, McGuire turned the Red Raiders into a dark horse for the national championship.
McGuire has accumulated a 35-18 record in four seasons in Lubbock, including leading the Red Raiders to four consecutive bowl appearances, a feat last achieved by the legendary Mike Leach.
