Texas Tech University Athletics
October 21, 2026 | Football
Joey McGuire was back on the Bryant Award watch list Wednesday after being a finalist a year ago
LUBBOCK, Texas โ Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire was named Wednesday to the watch list for the Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award following the Red Raiders' second 6-0 start in as many seasons.
McGuire, who was a finalist for the award a year ago, was one of 28 coaches from across the country on Wednesday's watch list and one of five from the Big 12 Conference, joining Houston's Willie Fritz, Oklahoma State's Eric Morris, Utah's Morgan Scalley and BYU's Kilani Sitake.
Texas Tech is one of only three FBS programs the past two seasons to start 6-0 overall along with both BYU and Indiana. The Red Raiders will look to remain among the nation's undefeated programs Saturday when No. 8 Texas Tech travels to Cincinnati for an 11 a.m. CT kick at Nippert Stadium.
McGuire is now 41-18 over his four-plus seasons leading the Red Raiders, marking the most wins by a Texas Tech head coach through 59 games in program history. That record includes an 18-2 mark since the start of the 2025 season alone, which is tied for third with BYU for the highest winning percentage in the FBS behind only Indiana (22-1) and James Madison (19-2) during that span. Both of BYU's losses over the past two seasons came a year ago to the Red Raiders.
The Bryant Coach of the Year Award is the only college football coaching honor presented after the national champion has been determined. The award, which is sponsored annually by the American Heart Association, will be announced Jan. 27 in Houston to the top college football coach for contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life โ both on and off the field.
The watch list, finalists and ultimately the winner of the Bryant Coach of the Year Award are voted on by the National Sports Media Association and the organization's executive leadership team, comprised of members of the Bryant family and community leaders.
Texas Tech will be searching for only its fifth 7-0 start in program history and its first since 2013 when the Red Raiders make their first trip to Cincinnati on Saturday. Coverage will be provided nationally on FOX Sports 1 and the Texas Tech Sports Network.
