Highly Coveted General Manager James Blanchard Turns Down Notre Dame to Stay at Texas Tech
In a major development that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, Texas Tech’s highly regarded general manager, James Blanchard, has officially turned down an offer from Notre Dame to remain with the Red Raiders. The decision, confirmed by multiple sources, is a huge win for Texas Tech and a significant blow to Notre Dame, which had aggressively pursued Blanchard for its front office.
Blanchard’s choice to stay in Lubbock underscores his deep commitment to the Red Raiders’ football program and its trajectory under head coach Joey McGuire. His presence in Texas Tech’s front office has been instrumental in reshaping the program’s recruiting strategy and overall roster management. Now, by rejecting Notre Dame’s overtures, Blanchard signals that he believes Texas Tech is a rising force in the Big 12 Conference.
Blanchard’s Importance to Texas Tech
James Blanchard has built a reputation as one of the sharpest talent evaluators in college football. His ability to identify high-ceiling players, particularly in the high school and transfer portal markets, has positioned Texas Tech as a team on the rise.
Before arriving in Lubbock, Blanchard played a crucial role in Baylor’s recruiting success under Matt Rhule, helping to build a roster that eventually propelled the Bears to a Big 12 Championship in 2021. When Rhule left for the NFL, Blanchard followed him to the Carolina Panthers, gaining valuable experience at the professional level. However, he returned to college football to reunite with Joey McGuire at Texas Tech in 2021, aiming to help the Red Raiders compete for championships.
His work in Lubbock has been nothing short of impressive. Texas Tech has made significant strides in roster depth, talent acquisition, and player development. His expertise in scouting and evaluating under-the-radar prospects has allowed the Red Raiders to land several key recruits who might have otherwise slipped through the cracks. The results have been evident on the field, as Texas Tech has steadily improved in the highly competitive Big 12 landscape.
Notre Dame’s Pursuit and Why It Made Sense
Notre Dame’s interest in Blanchard was hardly surprising. The Fighting Irish are one of the most prestigious programs in college football history, and they have been looking to bolster their recruiting department as they continue to compete at the highest level. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has prioritized innovation in scouting, player evaluation, and talent acquisition—all areas where Blanchard excels.
Notre Dame’s push for Blanchard was part of an effort to enhance its ability to compete with powerhouses like Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State. As the college football landscape evolves—particularly with the expansion of the College Football Playoff—programs like Notre Dame must continue adapting to stay at the forefront of national championship contention. Blanchard’s track record made him an attractive candidate for such an ambitious project.
Had he accepted the job, Blanchard would have taken on a pivotal role in reshaping Notre Dame’s recruiting strategy, especially in identifying top-tier talent outside the traditional recruiting hotbeds. His deep connections in Texas and the Southeast—two of the most fertile recruiting grounds in the country—would have provided Notre Dame with an edge in securing elite talent from those regions.
Why Blanchard Chose to Stay at Texas Tech
Despite the prestige of Notre Dame, Blanchard’s decision to remain at Texas Tech speaks volumes about his belief in the Red Raiders’ future. Sources close to the situation indicate that several factors played a role in his choice:
- Loyalty to Joey McGuire – Blanchard and McGuire have a strong professional relationship built on trust and a shared vision. The two worked together at Baylor, and their reunion at Texas Tech was driven by a mutual desire to turn the program into a Big 12 contender.
- The Challenge of Building Texas Tech – Blanchard thrives in program-building environments. While Notre Dame is already a perennial powerhouse, Texas Tech presents an opportunity to create something special from the ground up. The chance to be a driving force in a program’s ascent can be more rewarding than stepping into an already established powerhouse.
- Momentum in Recruiting – Texas Tech’s recent recruiting success likely factored into Blanchard’s decision. With multiple top-tier recruits committed and the Red Raiders trending upward in talent acquisition, leaving now would mean abandoning a promising project just as it is gaining traction.
- Job Stability and Long-Term Vision – Unlike the coaching carousel, which often sees head coaches and assistants changing jobs frequently, a general manager position carries a different level of stability. Texas Tech has fully embraced Blanchard’s role in shaping the future of the program, and he likely feels more empowered in Lubbock than he might have at Notre Dame.
What This Means for Texas Tech and Notre Dame
Blanchard’s decision to stay is a major victory for Texas Tech and a disappointment for Notre Dame. The Red Raiders retain one of their key personnel architects, which will help them sustain momentum in recruiting and roster management. With the Big 12 set to welcome new teams and Texas and Oklahoma departing for the SEC, Texas Tech sees a prime opportunity to emerge as a conference powerhouse—and Blanchard is a crucial part of that vision.
For Notre Dame, missing out on Blanchard means they will have to look elsewhere to bolster their scouting and recruiting department. While the Fighting Irish remain a national brand capable of attracting top talent, Blanchard’s skill set would have added a unique advantage in the ever-evolving recruiting landscape.
Final Thoughts
James Blanchard’s decision to turn down Notre Dame and stay at Texas Tech is a testament to the strong culture and vision being built in Lubbock. As the Red Raiders continue their ascent in the Big 12, Blanchard’s influence in player acquisition and roster construction will be instrumental in shaping the program’s future.
For Notre Dame, this is a setback in their quest to enhance their front office structure, but the pursuit of top personnel never stops. The Fighting Irish will have to pivot to other candidates as they aim to compete with the nation’s elite.
In the end, Blanchard’s decision signifies that Texas Tech is no longer just a stepping stone—it’s a destination for ambitious football minds looking to build something special.