In a significant decision that underscores his commitment to Texas Tech University, General Manager James Blanchard has declined a lucrative offer from Notre Dame to remain with the Red Raiders. This move comes after Blanchard reportedly visited South Bend and engaged in discussions with Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, about a potential three-year contract.
Following his decision to stay, Texas Tech announced a new three-year contract for Blanchard, valued at $1.575 million, averaging $525,000 annually. This contract reflects the university’s recognition of Blanchard’s contributions and its commitment to retaining top talent within its athletic department.
Head coach Joey McGuire expressed his enthusiasm about Blanchard’s decision, stating, “The success of our personnel department led by James Blanchard has obviously been noticed nationally with the significant interest he continues to generate annually. We’re excited James and his family have chosen to remain Red Raiders and continue the work we started not long ago in building a consistent program that can compete for Big 12 titles.”
Since joining Texas Tech in November 2021, Blanchard has been instrumental in elevating the program’s recruiting efforts. Under his leadership, the Red Raiders secured their first five-star prospect, wide receiver Micah Hudson, in the 2024 recruiting class. Additionally, the program successfully attracted USC transfer running back Quenten Joyner, contributing to a highly ranked transfer portal class this offseason.
Blanchard’s tenure has also coincided with Texas Tech achieving three consecutive winning seasons under Coach McGuire. The program’s upward trajectory is further evidenced by the debut of a $240 million football facility at Jones AT&T Stadium, signaling a strong commitment to the future of Red Raiders football.
This isn’t the first time Blanchard has been courted by other prominent programs. In the spring of 2023, Notre Dame expressed interest in him before hiring Butler Benton from Arkansas. Additionally, amid interest from USC, Blanchard reportedly signed a two-year, $800,000 contract to remain at Texas Tech in July 2024.
Blanchard’s professional journey is marked by a diverse array of experiences. A 2008 graduate of Stark High School in West Orange, Texas, he previously served as the assistant athletic director for scouting at Baylor University. He also spent time in the NFL as a pro scout with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. Before his roles in football administration, Blanchard worked in various industries, including a six-year tenure as an assembler specialist at American Valve and Hydrant in Beaumont, Texas, and two years as a corrections officer.
His decision to remain with Texas Tech reflects a deep commitment to the program and its future. By turning down Notre Dame’s offer, Blanchard has signaled his belief in the trajectory of the Red Raiders and his desire to continue building upon the foundation he has helped establish.
For Notre Dame, the search for a new general manager continues following the departure of Chad Bowden to USC. Blanchard was a top target for the Fighting Irish, and his decision to stay at Texas Tech means the program will need to explore other candidates to fill this critical role.
Blanchard’s choice also highlights the increasing competitiveness in college football for top administrative talent. Programs are investing more resources into their personnel departments, recognizing the significant impact that effective recruiting and player development have on sustained success.
As Texas Tech looks ahead, Blanchard’s continued leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in the program’s pursuit of Big 12 titles and national prominence. His track record suggests that the Red Raiders are well-positioned to capitalize on the momentum built over the past few seasons.
In conclusion, James Blanchard’s decision to remain with Texas Tech, despite overtures from a storied program like Notre Dame, underscores his dedication to the Red Raiders and his confidence in the program’s future. With his leadership, Texas Tech is poised to continue its ascent in the competitive landscape of college football.