Texas Tech and Joey McGuire agree to contract extension through 2032

In college football, long-term extensions usually signal one of two things: an administration doubling down on momentum, or one trying desperately to hold onto it. In Texas Tech’s case, Tuesday’s announcement that the school and head coach Joey McGuire reached a contract extension through 2032 reflects a program not clinging to success, but confidently building upon it.

The seven-year deal—set to be finalized in the coming days—significantly increases McGuire’s compensation and layers in performance-based escalators tied to future conference and postseason results. In modern college football, where the coaching carousel spins faster than ever and playoff access is about to expand, Texas Tech is essentially planting its flag: this is our guy, and this is our moment.

A Vision Backed by Results

Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt made the school’s ambitions crystal clear, saying, "We believe the future of Texas Tech Football has never been brighter under Coach McGuire's leadership… We fully intend to be an annual contender in the Big 12 Conference with our eyes on the College Football Playoff each and every season." That’s not niche optimism; it’s a statement grounded in what McGuire has already delivered.

This season’s 11–1 regular-season rampage—winning all 11 victories by at least 20 points—is the type of dominance usually reserved for blue-blood programs. Texas Tech didn’t just win games; they overwhelmed opponents. And now they're heading into their first-ever Edward Jones Big 12 Championship appearance ranked inside the College Football Playoff committee’s top five.

For a program that has historically lived in the space between dangerous and inconsistent, this shift isn’t subtle. It’s seismic.

A Four-Year Climb to Contention

Since McGuire’s arrival, the Red Raiders have quietly been one of the most consistent forces in the Big 12. Texas Tech has logged 24 conference wins during his tenure—more than any other school in the league over the same span. His overall 34–17 record through 51 games also puts him in rare company; the only other Texas Tech coach with that many wins this early was Jim Carlen, all the way back in the early 1970s.

That matters. Sustained success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through recruiting, culture-building, development, and a coaching staff that knows exactly what identity it wants its team to have. McGuire has delivered that identity, and Lubbock has embraced it wholeheartedly.

Lubbock Isn't Just a Job for McGuire—It’s Home

McGuire’s own words reveal why the partnership works so naturally. "I couldn't be more thankful for Kirby Hocutt and our administration for the belief in this football program," he said. He also emphasized the deep personal connection he and his family feel for the community: "I've said it countless times but my family and I love Lubbock, this university and this fan base."

Coaches talk about “fit” all the time, but it’s clear McGuire genuinely means it. And that’s not something you can manufacture with contract dollars.

Setting Expectations for the Future

Perhaps the most striking piece of McGuire’s statement is his expectation for sustained excellence: "We expect to continue to elevate this program where appearances in the Big 12 title game… and the College Football Playoff are expected on an annual basis."

That’s a standard, not a hope. And for once, Texas Tech has the trajectory to match it.

The Bottom Line

This extension isn’t just about locking down a hot coaching name—it’s about reinforcing the program’s identity during a moment of legitimate rise. Texas Tech has momentum, national relevance, and a coach who has both the resume and the vision to keep them in the Big 12 and CFP conversation for years to come.

In a sport driven by recruiting battles, NIL positioning, and the coming chaos of a 12-team playoff, stability is more valuable than ever. Texas Tech just secured theirs until 2032—and for a program climbing toward rare air, there may be no better investment.