Texas Tech University Athletics
McGuire named to Bryant Award watch list
October 16, 2024 | Football
Joey McGuire was tabbed to the Bryant Award watch list Thursday after Texas Tech’s 3-0 start to Big 12 play
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire was named Wednesday to the watch list for the Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award, which honors the nation's top collegiate head coach annually.
McGuire was one of five Big 12 Conference coaches and one of 27 coaches nationally tabbed to the watch list as he has led the Red Raiders to a 5-1 start and 3-0 record in league play entering Saturday's home game against Baylor. This is Texas Tech's first 3-0 start to Big 12 play since 2013.
In only his third season, McGuire is 20-12 early in his Texas Tech tenure as he became the first head coach to reach 20 wins in 32 or less games leading the Red Raiders since Steve Sloan did so over his three-year stint from 1975-77. McGuire is also 13-8 against Big 12 opponents following the Red Raiders' road win at Arizona on Oct. 5 prior to their open date.
The Red Raiders will look to keep their undefeated Big 12 run going against the Bears as Texas Tech has begun conference play with four-consecutive wins just twice (2008, 2013) since joining the league in 1996. A win would also push the Red Raiders to bowl eligibility for a fourth-consecutive season and third time under McGuire as Texas Tech leads all Big 12 programs with 41 bowl appearances in its history.
Texas Tech will have the benefit of a sold-out Jones AT&T Stadium on Saturday where the Red Raiders are an impressive 14-3 under McGuire with wins in each of their last six home contests dating back to the 2023 season. That streak is the longest since the Red Raiders won a school record 12-consecutive games at home over the course of the 2007-09 seasons.
Kickoff between the Red Raiders and Bears is set for 3 p.m. Saturday with coverage provided on ESPN2 and the Texas Tech Sports Network.
