Texas Tech AD Kirby Hocutt Signs New 8-Year, $14.5M Contract Extension Through 2030

Texas Tech Athletics Director Kirby Hocutt has officially secured his future in Lubbock, signing a lucrative 8-year, $14.5 million contract extension that will keep him leading the Red Raiders’ athletic programs through 2030.

Hocutt, who has served as Texas Tech’s AD since 2011, has played a pivotal role in elevating the school’s athletics department to new heights. From major facility upgrades to coaching hires that have reinvigorated programs, Hocutt’s leadership has transformed Texas Tech into a nationally respected athletic powerhouse.

With this new deal, Texas Tech is making it clear: they believe Hocutt is the right man to continue guiding the program through the evolving landscape of college athletics.

Why Kirby Hocutt’s Extension Matters

Texas Tech’s decision to extend Hocutt’s contract is a significant investment in the future of its athletic department. Under his leadership, the Red Raiders have seen growth, stability, and competitive success across multiple sports.

Here are some of the key reasons why Texas Tech is committed to keeping Hocutt at the helm:

1. Elevating Texas Tech Football

While Texas Tech’s football program has had ups and downs over the past decade, Hocutt has made strategic moves to position the Red Raiders for long-term success.

• In 2021, he hired Joey McGuire, a former Baylor assistant and Texas high school coaching legend, to lead the football program. Since then, McGuire has built strong recruiting ties and helped establish a tough, competitive culture in Lubbock.
• The $220 million investment in Jones AT&T Stadium renovations has given Texas Tech state-of-the-art facilities, which are crucial in recruiting and player development.
• Under Hocutt’s leadership, Texas Tech secured a spot in the expanded Big 12 landscape, ensuring that the football program remains nationally relevant despite conference realignment.

Texas Tech football is on an upward trajectory, and Hocutt’s vision has played a crucial role in that progress.

2. Strengthening Texas Tech Basketball

Hocutt’s impact has also been felt in basketball, where Texas Tech has emerged as a national powerhouse over the past several years.

• In 2016, Hocutt hired Chris Beard, who led Texas Tech to the 2019 National Championship Game, where they finished as runners-up to Virginia.
• After Beard’s departure, Hocutt brought in Mark Adams, who guided the Red Raiders to the Sweet 16 in 2022 before stepping down in 2023.
• Most recently, he hired Grant McCasland, a defensive-minded coach with a track record of winning at North Texas.

Texas Tech basketball is in a strong position, and Hocutt’s ability to find and hire top-tier coaches has played a huge role in the program’s sustained success.

3. Texas Tech’s Rise in Baseball & Other Sports

Beyond football and basketball, Texas Tech has thrived in other sports under Hocutt’s leadership:

• Baseball: The Red Raiders have become a consistent contender in the College World Series, making multiple deep postseason runs.
• Track & Field: Texas Tech won its first NCAA Championship in 2019 under Wes Kittley.
• Women’s Sports: Texas Tech has also invested in women’s athletics, with improvements in softball, soccer, and basketball.

Hocutt has worked to improve facilities, enhance recruiting, and create a winning culture across all sports, not just the high-revenue ones.

A Commitment to the Future Amid Changing Times in College Athletics

Hocutt’s contract extension comes at a time when college athletics is undergoing major changes, including:

• NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness): Schools now compete not just on facilities and coaching but on their ability to help student-athletes profit from their name, image, and likeness.
• Conference Realignment: With Texas and Oklahoma leaving for the SEC, the Big 12 has had to adapt by adding teams like BYU, UCF, Houston, and Cincinnati.
• College Football Playoff Expansion: The 12-team College Football Playoff format begins in 2024, giving Texas Tech a realistic pathway to compete for national championships.

By securing Hocutt through 2030, Texas Tech is ensuring continuity and strong leadership during this rapidly evolving era of college sports.

What This Means for Texas Tech Moving Forward

With Hocutt locked in for the next eight years, Texas Tech fans can expect:

1. Continued Investment in Facilities

Texas Tech has been aggressive in upgrading its athletic facilities, and that won’t change under Hocutt’s extended tenure.

• The $220 million football stadium expansion is just the start.
• Texas Tech has also invested heavily in basketball facilities, practice centers, and athlete development programs.
• More investments are expected in baseball, track, and women’s sports as Texas Tech aims to remain a top-tier athletic department.

2. A Focus on Winning Championships

Texas Tech has had near-misses in several sports, including:

• Football: Rebuilding under Joey McGuire, with hopes of contending for a Big 12 title.
• Basketball: A national runner-up finish in 2019 and multiple Sweet 16 appearances.
• Baseball: Several deep College World Series runs.

With Hocutt’s leadership, Texas Tech isn’t satisfied with just competing—they want to win championships.

3. Stability in the Big 12

As the Big 12 enters a new era without Texas and Oklahoma, Texas Tech is positioned as one of the conference’s top programs.

• With Houston, UCF, BYU, and Cincinnati joining, the Big 12 is now a 16-team league.
• Texas Tech wants to be a leading force in the conference, and Hocutt’s experience in navigating conference politics is invaluable.

Final Thoughts: A Big Win for Texas Tech

Kirby Hocutt’s 8-year, $14.5 million extension is a statement that Texas Tech believes in his leadership and long-term vision.

Under his guidance, Texas Tech has:

✅ Elevated its football and basketball programs
✅ Built elite facilities
✅ Competed nationally in multiple sports
✅ Maintained stability in the ever-changing world of college athletics

Now, with at least six more years of Hocutt leading the way, Texas Tech is in a prime position to keep growing, winning, and competing at the highest level.

For Red Raider fans, this extension signals an exciting future filled with championship potential.