Joey McGuire enters his fourth season as Texas Tech’s head football coach in 2025, having already made a significant impact on the program. Hired in November 2021 after building a sterling reputation as both a successful Texas high school coach and a dynamic college recruiter at Baylor, McGuire brought with him a deep understanding of Texas football culture and a relentless energy that has reinvigorated the Red Raiders.
Under McGuire’s leadership, Texas Tech has returned to a level of consistency that had eluded the program for much of the previous decade. The Red Raiders have reached bowl eligibility in each of his first three seasons, reestablishing themselves as a fixture in the postseason conversation. That stability is something the program hadn’t consistently enjoyed since the days of Mike Leach, and it’s given Texas Tech fans real reasons to be optimistic about the future.
McGuire’s approach to building the Red Raiders has been rooted in two core principles: elite player development and keeping top-tier talent from the state of Texas close to home. From day one, he has emphasized recruiting “the brand,” a reference to the Red Raiders’ identity as tough, gritty, and fast — a team built in the image of West Texas. He has leaned heavily into his relationships with Texas high school coaches, which span decades, allowing him to create one of the strongest in-state recruiting pipelines in the Big 12.
Texas Tech’s recruiting classes have steadily improved under McGuire’s guidance. By tapping into the rich talent pool within the state, he has not only elevated the overall athleticism of the roster but also built a culture that reflects the competitive spirit of Texas football. Players are brought in who fit the mold of high-character, high-effort athletes, and McGuire’s staff has developed a reputation for getting the most out of them on and off the field.
The team’s identity under McGuire has been shaped by physical play, offensive versatility, and a defense that plays with aggression and purpose. The Red Raiders have seen growth on both sides of the ball, highlighted by key wins over ranked opponents and a signature toughness that has made them difficult to play, especially in Lubbock. Jones AT&T Stadium has become a tougher venue for visiting teams, thanks in part to McGuire’s ability to reconnect the fan base with the program’s mission.
Another area where McGuire has made significant strides is in staffing. He’s surrounded himself with innovative coordinators and assistants who understand the blueprint he’s laid out. Whether it’s developing quarterbacks or creating disruptive defensive fronts, the coaching staff has bought into a collective vision, and that continuity has translated into results. The Red Raiders are no longer just trying to keep up in the Big 12 — they’re in the mix to contend.
Entering his fourth season, McGuire is now shifting the program’s goals from consistent bowl appearances to competing for conference championships. With the expansion of the Big 12 and the arrival of new programs, the landscape has changed, but McGuire views it as an opportunity. His teams are built to compete in this new-look conference, and with Texas and Oklahoma off to the SEC, there’s a real opening for Texas Tech to rise as a perennial power within the league.
The 2025 season is also pivotal in terms of long-term momentum. With improved facilities, fan support growing, and the recruiting machine operating at full strength, McGuire has positioned Texas Tech to be more than just a team on the rise — he wants it to be a destination. His charisma, authenticity, and tireless work ethic have made him a popular figure in Lubbock and across the state.
Ultimately, Joey McGuire’s tenure so far has been about restoration and ambition. He’s restored pride in the program and given Red Raider fans something tangible to believe in. As he enters Year Four, the foundation has been laid, and the next step is clear: take Texas Tech from bowl regular to Big 12 title contender. If his first three seasons are any indication, McGuire has the Red Raiders headed in the right direction — and he’s doing it the Texas way.
