Joey McGuire: The Architect of Texas Tech Football's Resurgence

There's a palpable buzz surrounding Texas Tech football these days, and much of it boils down to one name: Joey McGuire. Since being officially named the 17th head coach in program history back on November 8, 2021, and taking the reins for the 2022 season, McGuire has injected a fresh, vibrant energy into the Red Raider program, fundamentally changing the narrative around West Texas football.

Before bringing his unique brand of passion and grit to Lubbock, McGuire had already built quite the legendary resume, particularly within the deep, rich landscape of Texas football. He was, for a remarkable 14 seasons, the highly successful head coach at Cedar Hill High School, where he famously captured three state championships and earned the prestigious Texas state high school coach of the year title an incredible nine times. Talk about a pedigree! Following his high school dominance, he spent five impactful years at Baylor University, serving as the associate head coach and coaching various positions, even stepping up as interim head coach in 2020. This journey, from the intensely competitive world of Texas high school football to a pivotal role at a Big 12 program, perfectly prepared him for the monumental task ahead.

And boy, has he delivered. In his relatively short tenure at Texas Tech, McGuire has already etched his name into the program's record books. He's the first head coach, for instance, to lead the Red Raiders to bowl victories in each of his first two seasons—think the 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl triumph over Ole Miss and the 2023 Radiant Technologies Independence Bowl win against Cal. But perhaps even more remarkably, in that thrilling 2022 season, he achieved something truly extraordinary: becoming the only head coach in Texas Tech history to defeat both rival powerhouses, Texas and Oklahoma, in the very same year. That’s the kind of accomplishment that creates legends, you know?

Consistency, too, has been a hallmark of McGuire's program. The Red Raiders have recorded a winning conference record in each of his first three seasons (5-4 in Big 12 play in his first two, and a solid 6-3 in 2024), a feat no other head coach in program history has managed. In fact, his 23 wins through his first three seasons even put him shoulder-to-shoulder with the iconic Mike Leach. While the 2024 season wrapped up at 8-5 after a tough loss to Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl, the foundation he's built is undeniably strong. And let’s not forget the home-field advantage: a stellar 15-5 record in Lubbock over those three seasons speaks volumes about the energy and belief he’s cultivated there.

As McGuire now steps into his fourth season, the optimism around Texas Tech is practically overflowing. There's a genuine excitement brewing, fueled by whispers and, frankly, rather bold projections for the 2025 season. We’re talking about predictions of finishing second in the Big 12, an impressive 11-1 regular season, clinching their first-ever Big 12 title against BYU, and even making their inaugural College Football Playoff appearance. While these are, of course, projections, they underscore the profound belief in McGuire's vision and the program's upward trajectory. It’s a dream scenario for Red Raider fans, and given his track record, who’s to say it’s not within reach?

Born in Texarkana, Texas, in 1971, Joey McGuire truly embodies the spirit of Texas football. He’s not just coaching; he’s building a culture of winning, resilience, and genuine passion. Under his leadership, Texas Tech football isn't just hoping for success; they're actively chasing it, transforming into a formidable force that commands attention and respect across the collegiate landscape. The future, for the Red Raiders, looks brighter than it has in years, all thanks to the man at the helm.