Texas Tech’s thrilling 77-67 upset win over Houston on Saturday night was one of the biggest moments in the Red Raiders’ season, but it was also a game filled with controversy. Head coach Grant McCasland was ejected early in the first half after a questionable technical foul call, leaving Texas Tech in an unexpected situation.
However, as Chris Level pointed out on the Locked On College Basketball podcast, the Red Raiders had a major advantage: Jeff Linder, an experienced former head coach, was on their bench to take over the reins.
The Controversial Ejection of Grant McCasland
With Texas Tech looking to knock off the top-ranked Houston Cougars, emotions were running high from the tip-off. After some heated exchanges with officials, McCasland was hit with two technical fouls and ejected from the game. It was a shocking and controversial moment, as many believed the calls were unwarranted.
Losing a head coach in the middle of such a crucial game could have been a death blow for Texas Tech. But this is where the depth of a coaching staff matters, and Linder proved just how invaluable he was.
Jeff Linder’s Experience Paid Off
Jeff Linder is no ordinary assistant coach. Before joining McCasland’s staff, he was the head coach at Wyoming for four seasons (2020-2024), where he led the Cowboys to the 2022 NCAA Tournament as an at-large selection. Prior to that, he had a successful tenure at Northern Colorado (2016-2020), where he turned that program into a contender.
Linder’s head coaching experience in high-pressure situations made him the perfect person to step in and lead Texas Tech for the remainder of the game. His ability to manage the team, adjust on the fly, and keep the Red Raiders composed under adversity played a significant role in their victory.
Why Coaching Matters Beyond Just the Head Coach
One of the most overlooked aspects of college basketball is the importance of a strong coaching staff beyond the head coach. While head coaches get the spotlight, assistant coaches—especially those with head coaching experience—play a crucial role in a team’s success.
Here’s why Linder’s presence was so impactful:
- Immediate Decision-Making – Linder didn’t hesitate to take over in a tough moment, implementing the game plan effectively and keeping Texas Tech focused.
- Tactical Adjustments – With Houston making second-half runs, Linder made key defensive adjustments, ensuring the Red Raiders maintained control.
- Player Confidence – When a team sees a coach with proven experience leading them, it keeps their confidence high instead of falling apart under adversity.
- Game Management – Linder handled timeouts, substitutions, and late-game strategy like a seasoned head coach—because he is one.
Texas Tech’s Road Ahead
With the Big 12 race heating up, Texas Tech now has a signature win that boosts their NCAA Tournament résumé. While the controversy surrounding McCasland’s ejection still lingers, the team proved they can overcome adversity—thanks in part to the leadership of Jeff Linder.
Moving forward, Texas Tech fans should feel even more confident knowing that beyond McCasland, they have one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the country. Coaching matters, and Saturday night was the perfect example.