Takeaways From Joey McGuire’s Introductory Press Conference

Joey McGuire has arrived.

The 17th head football coach in Red Raider history had his introductory press conference on Tuesday. McGuire spoke for just under 20 minutes, but there was no filler in his speech. Everything he said outlined what he plans to bring to Texas Tech. There was no messing around, it was all action from McGuire.

After AD Kirby Hocutt spoke, McGuire took the stand, immediately left it, and led the crowd in a fiery Raider Power chant.

“I’ve been waiting all my life to do that!” he exclaimed afterward.

I could have explained that in my own words, but you needed to see the video so you could feel the same energy everyone did at that moment.

Speaking of energy, he brought from the beginning. Throughout the press conference, you could sense McGuire’s passion was clear and genuine. It showed when he talked about his Texa Tech ties. His daughter, Raegan, attended the school. McGuire’s energy also showed when he got emotional talking about his time coaching at Cedar Hill High School. His vision for the program also showed his passion and energy.

McGuire wants to build the Tech program on loving, genuine relationships with his players. It will be his priority as soon as he begins coaching. He stressed to the players that they will get the same energy from him every day. In practice, games, and meetings, they will get the “same guy”. The one that’s always fired up. He wants to be all-in when it comes to his players, building relationships and developing them effectively.

McGuire believes every successful program has a foundation of quality relationships between coaches and players. It’s how he gained his strong ties within the state of Texas, and it’s how he plans to coach the Red Raiders.

It’s also the main quality he’ll have in mind when building his staff.

“I don’t care if they’re the best Xs and Os guys in the world,” McGuire said. “If they can’t build relationships… they’re not coaching at Texas Tech.”

McGuire is already getting to work on his staff, announcing the hire of James Blanchard as his player of personnel. Blanchard was an assistant athletic director at Baylor that specializes in scouting and has vast amounts of experience at the collegiate and NFL levels. A great start to a staff that McGuire wants to do two main things — build relationships and develop players.

He then outlined his recruiting strategy with an emphasis on keeping Texas recruits in the state. He especially wants to keep West Texas guys in West Texas, believing that will branch out into other areas of the state.

McGuire has already made an impact on the recruiting trail. Yesterday, he brought in three commits. The first was three-star cornerback Jalon Peoples, the second was three-star defensive end Harvey Dyson, and the third was three-star defensive tackle Syncere Massey, who flipped from Arizona State. This is on top of several scholarship offers McGuire made, including three-star athlete Carson Dean and three-star wide receiver Samuel Omosigho. All of these players hail from Texas, showing that McGuire is making recruiting Texas a priority. 

Lastly, he explained the brand he wants Texas Tech to have. First, he wants to continue Tech’s tradition of having explosive offenses. Second, he wants his defense to be one of the most physical units in the country. 

Above all, he wants Tech to be known as the “toughest, hardest-working and most competitive team in the country.” If the Red Raiders can do that, McGuire truly thinks he’ll have something special in Lubbock.

There was an aura of hope during his press conference. The hope that maybe, just maybe, Texas Tech might’ve finally found its guy. A motivating leader with strong ties to the state and a passion for the game. McGuire is not Matt Wells, Kliff Kingsbury, or even Tommy Tuberville. He’s something more. He’s someone who cares about Texas Tech and has the right plan of attack. These next few months are going to be an exciting time for Red Raider fans. 

“I will die here at Texas Tech,” McGuire said. “We’re gonna make everyone here proud to wear the red, black, and white.”