Texas Tech University Athletics
Greene promoted to Texas Tech co-defensive coordinator
January 27, 2026 | Football
Texas Tech was among the nation’s top defenses this past season, leading the FBS with 32 takeaways
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire announced Tuesday the promotion of safeties coach Rob Greene to co-defensive coordinator. In his new role, Greene will continue to oversee the Red Raider safeties but will have a larger role in Texas Tech's defensive staff room under defensive coordinator Shiel Wood.
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"Coach Greene has been a tremendous addition to our defensive staff and is worthy of an elevated role with our program," McGuire said. "His experience teaching this defense and ability to identify and develop players is a great asset for our program as we continue to set a new standard for Red Raider Football."Â
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The 2025 campaign marked Greene's first season on the Texas Tech staff, reuniting him with Wood after the two previously coached together at Tulane in 2023 and Wofford in 2017. Greene remained at Tulane for the 2024 season before joining the Red Raiders prior to the 2025 campaign as safeties coach.
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Greene has coached in a conference championship game in each of the past three seasons as Tulane played for two American Athletic Conference crowns during his two years on staff, while the Red Raiders won the Big 12 title this past season. He has been part of 32 wins the past three seasons between his time at Tulane and Texas Tech, which includes a 23-2 record in regular-season conference games.
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Texas Tech recorded the largest year-by-year improvement for both scoring (-23.0) and total yards allowed per game (-203.2) by any FBS program since 2000 this past season en route to the first Big 12 title in school history and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. The Red Raiders closed the season ranked third nationally for both scoring defense (11.8 points per game) and total defense (258.3 yards allowed a contest) to finish with a school record 12 wins. Texas Tech led the FBS for both rushing defense, giving up only 68.1 yards per ground a game on the ground, as well as takeaways with 32 turnovers created.
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The Red Raiders were noticeably improved in the secondary thanks to the arrival of Greene and the promotion of cornerbacks coach Darcel McBath. Texas Tech recorded 17 interceptions, its most in a season since 2008 and its third-highest total since joining the Big 12 Conference in 1996. The Red Raiders ended the season tied for ninth in the FBS for interceptions and were 26th for passing yards allowed after surrendering only 190.1 yards a game through the air. It marked the lowest passing average for opponents in a season since 2007.
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Greene was selected following the regular season to the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute, one of college football's prestigious programs designed to identify and develop future leaders in the coaching profession. Greene participated in the day-long session during the annual AFCA Convention earlier this month.
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Greene will return two starters from his position room next season in rising senior Brenden Jordan and junior John Curry at the "star" position. The safety room departs Cole Wisniewski, who developed into an All-Big 12 honorable mention selection during his lone season as a Red Raider under Greene. Wisniewski will play in the East-West Shrine Bowl Tuesday evening with kickoff set for 6 p.m. CT on NFL Network.
