Texas Tech Hires Joey McGuire as Head Coach

When the Texas Tech Red Raiders began their head-coaching search in 2021, the competition was fierce. Joey McGuire did not have the same extensive resume as other candidates. He was described as a "true underdog candidate." His background was unique for a Power 4 program.

For the majority of his career, McGuire coached at Cedar Hill High School in Texas. During his time there, he achieved significant success, notching three state championships. He also spent a few years serving as an assistant coach at Baylor. On paper, this background was unconventional for a university of Texas Tech's stature. It was the kind of profile that might have caused the hiring committee to look elsewhere.

Despite the odds, McGuire was determined to get the job. He knew he had to stand out to be considered. His strategy relied on direct communication and preparation rather than just his past titles.

The hiring committee might have overlooked McGuire if he had not taken the initiative himself. McGuire reached out directly to Kirby Hocutt, the athletic director. He did not wait for a formal invitation; he cold-called Hocutt and left a voicemail.

In the voicemail, McGuire asked for the opportunity to interview for the position. This type of bold outreach is a significant differentiator in the hiring process. It demonstrated his interest and confidence. The act of cold-calling a high-level executive to ask for a chance is a strategy that career experts often recommend.

McGuire's persistence paid off. He secured a meeting with the decision-makers at Texas Tech. Getting into the room was the first step; the next was proving he was the right person for the job.

Once Joey McGuire secured the interview, he made the most of the opportunity. He arrived with a level of preparation that impressed everyone in the room. According to reports, he brought with him a seven-step plan designed to start winning games immediately.

McGuire's presentation was thorough. He carried a full list of coaches he intended to hire for his staff. He also detailed a specific plan for fixing Texas Tech's in-state recruiting efforts. Furthermore, he spoke passionately about "waking a sleeping giant," referring to the untapped potential of the program.

The combination of enthusiasm and a concrete strategy left a lasting impression on the search committee. The committee members felt confident in their decision. As former deputy athletic director Tony Hernandez stated after the meeting:

"We were all like, 'We found our guy.'"

Texas Tech ultimately decided to hire McGuire, and the decision proved successful. The team improved significantly under his leadership. In the 2025 season, the Red Raiders surged from relative obscurity to achieve a program-record 12 wins.

The team's success culminated in a major victory. They secured their first outright conference championship since 1955 by defeating BYU. This marked a historic moment for the university and the football program. While the team eventually fell to Oregon in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, the season was still a massive improvement.

McGuire's story highlights that experience is not everything when it comes to hiring. His preparation and bold outreach were key factors in landing the job. It serves as a reminder that doing the proper research and having a clear plan can make a significant difference in any professional pursuit.