Joey McGuire’s journey from high school football coach to leading Texas Tech to their first-ever Big 12 championship is wild, honestly. The story of how McGuire, an underdog in every sense, defied the odds to transform Texas Tech football is one of those tales that sticks with you.
We’ll look at the key moments that shaped his career. There are some strategic decisions, sure, but it’s the impact of his leadership on the Red Raiders that keeps coming up.
Joey McGuire: From High School Legend to College Football Savior
Joey McGuire’s story starts in the heart of Texas, where he made a name for himself coaching high school football. Even with an impressive track record, McGuire was a relative unknown outside the Lone Star State.
His path to becoming the head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders was anything but typical. He’d never been a college head coach, coordinator, or even called plays, so his hiring was a gamble—a gamble that, as it turns out, paid off in a big way.
The Turning Point: A Phone Call That Changed Everything
In November 2021, McGuire got a call that flipped his world upside down. He’d actually turned down a college head coaching shot in 2019 and spent two years regretting it.
But when Texas Tech called, McGuire didn’t hesitate. His energy and confidence won over the search committee, and just like that, he was handed the reins.
Building a Championship Team
McGuire’s first big challenge was putting together a coaching staff and recruiting talent. He brought in James Blanchard as his general manager, which ended up being a smart move.
Together, they looked over the roster, met one-on-one with players, and hustled to bring in new recruits.
Key Hires and Strategic Moves
McGuire’s knack for making the right hires was a huge part of Texas Tech’s success. He brought in Shiel Wood as defensive coordinator and Mack Leftwich as offensive coordinator.
These guys made a difference—defense and offense both stepped up. But it wasn’t just about talent; the culture McGuire built mattered just as much.
- Shiel Wood: Broyles Award finalist and mastermind behind the defense.
- Mack Leftwich: Architect of the No. 2 scoring offense in FBS.
The Impact of Leadership and Culture
McGuire’s leadership style, shaped by his high school coaching days, focused on culture and relationships. He believed love and camaraderie were real competitive advantages.
This approach helped blend new and returning players together, building a sense of brotherhood and purpose that’s hard to fake.
Creating a Winning Culture
McGuire didn’t stop at football practice. He set up weekly breakfasts for players, encouraging them to talk about their “why.”
These moments brought the team closer, making them more than just a talented group. Defensive tackle Lee Hunter said those breakfasts helped him really get to know his new teammates and what drives them.
Financial Investments and Transparency
Texas Tech’s leadership put serious money behind building a championship team. They were open about spending—over $25 million invested in the 2025 team.
This transparency and commitment made it easier to attract new talent and keep key players around.
High-Profile Transfers and All-Big 12 Performers
The Red Raiders boosted their 2025 roster with some big transfer pickups. Seven of them ended up All-Big 12 performers, which gave the team a real edge on the field.
Combine those players with McGuire’s coaching hires, and you’ve got a team that’s tough to beat.
- Romello Height: Defensive end and key contributor to the team’s success.
- Lee Hunter: Defensive tackle who emphasized the importance of team bonding.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Texas Tech Football
Now, as Texas Tech gears up for their Capital One Orange Bowl CFP quarterfinal against No. 5 Oregon, the future feels pretty exciting. McGuire’s leadership, smart hires, and focus on culture have built something that looks sustainable.
The Red Raiders aren’t just a flash in the pan—they might just be building a powerhouse for the long haul. Guess we’ll see how far they can take it.
For further details on this remarkable journey, you can read the full article on ESPN.
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