Joey McGuire: From Texas High School Football Legend to Texas Tech Head Coach
When Texas Tech hired Joey McGuire as its head football coach in November 2021, it wasn’t just bringing in another college coach—it was bringing in a Texas football institution. A name synonymous with high school football excellence, McGuire’s journey from the high school ranks to leading a Power Five program is a testament to his coaching acumen, leadership, and deep-rooted ties to Texas football culture.
Now, after completing his first full season as head coach of the Red Raiders, McGuire has already made a significant impact. He led Texas Tech to an 8-5 record in 2022, including historic wins over both Texas and Oklahoma—a feat no previous Texas Tech coach had ever accomplished in the same season.
So, how did Joey McGuire go from high school sidelines to the bright lights of the Big 12? Let’s take a deep dive into his journey.
Dominating Texas High School Football
Before stepping into the college coaching world, Joey McGuire was a legend in Texas high school football. He spent 14 seasons as the head coach of Cedar Hill High School, a powerhouse program in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
When McGuire took over Cedar Hill in 2003, the program was struggling. The Longhorns had never won a state championship and were far from being considered among Texas’s elite programs. But under McGuire’s leadership, everything changed.
- 2006: Cedar Hill won its first-ever state championship, going 16-0 in dominant fashion.
- 2013 & 2014: McGuire led Cedar Hill to back-to-back state titles, cementing the program as a Texas powerhouse.
- Overall Record: He compiled a 141-42 record at Cedar Hill, establishing himself as one of the top high school coaches in Texas history.
His ability to develop talent, instill a winning culture, and connect with players made him highly respected not just in high school circles, but among college recruiters who regularly visited his program to scout top prospects.
Making the Leap to College Football
McGuire’s success at Cedar Hill caught the attention of Matt Rhule, who had just been hired as Baylor’s head coach in 2017. Recognizing McGuire’s incredible network of Texas high school connections, Rhule offered him a spot on his staff as a tight ends coach.
Though he had never coached at the college level before, McGuire quickly proved his worth. His relationships with Texas high school coaches helped Baylor land key recruits, and his coaching skills translated seamlessly to the next level.
- In 2019, Baylor had a remarkable turnaround, going 11-3 and reaching the Big 12 Championship Game.
- McGuire was promoted to associate head coach and worked closely with defensive ends and outside linebackers.
- Even after Rhule left for the NFL, McGuire stayed on Baylor’s staff under Dave Aranda, continuing to make an impact on recruiting and player development.
By 2021, it was clear McGuire was destined for a head coaching job in college football.
Taking Over at Texas Tech
When Texas Tech parted ways with Matt Wells midway through the 2021 season, the Red Raiders needed a coach who could rebuild the program and reignite the fan base.
Joey McGuire was the perfect hire.
- He had deep recruiting ties in Texas, ensuring that the Red Raiders could compete with in-state rivals for top talent.
- His energy and passion for football matched the intensity of Texas Tech fans, who were eager for a return to national relevance.
- His track record of building winning cultures was exactly what the Red Raiders needed.
McGuire was officially announced as Texas Tech’s head coach on November 8, 2021, and he immediately got to work.
A Historic First Season in Lubbock
McGuire wasted no time making an impact. Despite inheriting a roster in transition, he led Texas Tech to an 8-5 record in his first season (2022).
Most notably, he guided the Red Raiders to wins over both Texas and Oklahoma—something that had never been done in the same season in program history.
- Texas Tech 37, Texas 34 (OT): The Red Raiders stunned the Longhorns in Lubbock, marking McGuire’s first major Big 12 victory.
- Texas Tech 51, Oklahoma 48 (OT): Another thrilling win, this time over the Sooners, sent a message that Texas Tech was no longer an afterthought in the Big 12.
The season ended with a convincing 42-25 victory over Ole Miss in the Texas Bowl, capping off one of the most promising first-year coaching performances in the country.
Why McGuire’s Approach Works
There are several key reasons why Joey McGuire’s transition from high school to college coaching has been so successful:
- Recruiting Expertise – McGuire knows Texas better than anyone. He has deep ties to high school coaches across the state, giving Texas Tech a recruiting edge.
- Player Development – His ability to connect with players and maximize their potential was evident at Cedar Hill and continues at Texas Tech.
- Energy & Passion – Few coaches bring the enthusiasm and fire that McGuire does. His “RAIDER POWER” rallying cry has become a staple in Lubbock.
- Tactical Adaptability – Despite his high school roots, McGuire has proven he can adapt to the college game, learning from elite coaches like Matt Rhule and Dave Aranda.
What’s Next for McGuire & Texas Tech?
After an impressive first season, expectations are rising in Lubbock. The Red Raiders are recruiting at a high level, landing some of the top talent in Texas. McGuire has also built a strong coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Zach Kittley, who has implemented an exciting, high-scoring offense.
With Big 12 realignment on the horizon and Texas/Oklahoma departing for the SEC, Texas Tech has a real opportunity to establish itself as a top contender in the new-look conference.
For Joey McGuire, the journey from Texas high school legend to Power Five head coach has been nothing short of incredible. But if his first season at Texas Tech is any indication, this is just the beginning.
The Red Raiders are on the rise—and with McGuire at the helm, the future in Lubbock has never looked brighter. Wreck ‘Em!