McNeill, Tuberville keep fingers crossed

Ruffin McNeill said Thursday he’s not nervous, just anxious to find out the final outcome of the Texas Tech coaching search.

In that regard, he could have spoken for thousands.

“Having been in coaching for 29 years, I know there’s a process to it,’’ the Red Raiders’ interim head coach said. “My spirits are up. I know we’ve done everything we’ve been able to do as far as what we can control. I’m not necessarily nervous about it, just anxious about finding out what our future is.’’

McNeill

McNeill and Tommy Tuberville, the only two candidates known to have interviewed for the job, remained in play Thursday, the day after Baylor coach Art Briles’ potential candidacy ended.

Tech athletic director Gerald Myers denied reports Thursday afternoon and again Thursday evening that Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart had joined the mix. Citing unnamed sources, Dallas ESPN radio affiliate 103.3 FM reported Tech planned to talk to Smart after Alabama’s season ended with Thursday night’s BCS national championship game.

“That’s something that I’m not aware of,’’ Myers said Thursday afternoon. “I know he’s a good young coach and a good young prospective coach, but at this point we haven’t made any plans to contact him.’’

Myers reiterated that position hours later and said he had not sought permission from Alabama to speak with the 34-year-old Smart, who won the Broyles Award this year as the nation’s top assistant coach.

Myers and McNeill had an hour-long conversation Thursday that Myers called “just a talk,’’ not a second interview. Either way, McNeill said he was grateful.

“He just called me in and we just revisited what we talked about — my philosophy and what my plan would be and those kinds of things,’’ said McNeill, who interviewed on Monday. “I thought it went pretty good. There’s been some time in between, so I was pleased to have a chance to go back over it.’’

Asked if Tuberville would receive a similar follow-up, Myers said, “I think if he were locally, possibly there would be. In fact, I did call and talk to Tuberville today and told him that we’re still in the process and that we hope to have a decision before long.’’

In the two days since Tuberville interviewed, the former Mississippi and Auburn coach said his desire for the job remains strong. Tuberville has cited his eight years as a Miami (Fla.) assistant, during which he recruited Dallas and Houston, and his year as a Texas A&M defensive coordinator as experience that would come in handy at Tech.

Tuberville said other programs showed interest in him after the season, but he had criteria for what part of the country he wanted to live in, the “nature of the conference’’ and recruiting factors.

“There has to be some kind of (connection),’’ he said. “It’d be hard to go into an area you’ve never been in before, because this is a business of sales and personalities and getting along with people.

“When this job came open, I aggressively went after it. I normally don’t do that, but I thought this job fit my personality — the people, the city of Lubbock, the area. I’ve spent a lot of time in the state of Texas recruiting over my 25 years of coaching college football football. It just felt right.’’

Notwithstanding the bitterness over former coach Mike Leach’s firing, Tuberville said he also thinks there is unity and potential at Tech.

“After I left, I felt great about it in terms of if I did come to Texas Tech, I thought everybody was on the same page,’’ he said. “Tech has got their foot in the door. I think Tech needs somebody to kick that door in. I feel like I would work well on both sides.’’

Tech President Guy Bailey was in Pasadena, Calif., site of the BCS title game, on Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday afternoon, Bailey said he wasn’t aware of any new interviews being arranged.

“What I do is rely on Gerald to do most of that,’’ Bailey said. “And you know about the ones we’ve brought in and the situation with Art Briles. Y’all have all that information and have it all accurately.’’

Smart, 34, won the Broyles Award this season as the nation’s top assistant coach. He played collegiately at Georgia as a defensive back from 1995 through 1998. He has coached at his alma mater, as well as at Valdosta State, Florida State, LSU and with the Miami Dolphins.

He has been a coordinator at the Division I level only for the last two seasons.

To comment on this story:
don.williams@lubbockonline.com l 766-8734
courtney.linehan@lubbockonline.com l 766-8735

Comments

  • Some Guy said:

    I believe exactly the opposite of what Meyers says.

    Report this comment

  • Some Guy said:

    Alzheimer’s for Myers?

    Report this comment

  • PacRaider said:

    So, Bailey just happened to be in Pasadena today? Which team will he cheer for?

    Report this comment

  • Big Cigar said:

    You’re beginning to see the light. GM is full of surprises. Always has been. Notice GM and GB both stated they were not aware of any interviews. What they didn’t say speaks louder than what they did say and nothing from the chancellor. Someone check Hance’s travel schedule. It is all cover to avoid spoiling the surprise. Raider nation will have to pick their jaw up off the floor when the hire is announced. A sad day for tech football.

    Report this comment

  • Randy said:

    I am surprised that Bailey has time to go to the game, doesn’t he have enough to do with all of the destroying records, backdating affidavits, and threatening trainers and assistant coaches?

    Report this comment

  • Randy said:

    I am surprised that Bailey has time to go to the game, doesn’t he have enough to do with all of the destroying records, backdating affidavits, and threatening trainers and coaches?

    Report this comment

  • ut_tee_shirt_fan said:

    prez bailey will cheer for the horns!!!!! after all he might be looking for a job or run out of Lubbock…Austin is a sanctuary city.

    hire Bob Night!!!

    Report this comment

  • tbone0103 said:

    i really hope it isnt going to be greg mcmackin…..

    Report this comment

  • bford said:

    Bailey is an Alabama alum..he won’t be rooting for the horns.

    Report this comment

  • tbone0103 said:

    all he had to do was tell june jones that he was interested…… june jones has no doubt talked to the james about the transfer… well.. you get the picture!!!

    Report this comment

  • Mike said:

    Big Cigar, now you’re worrying us…that bad? surely we rich alumni who can force a little heat?

    Report this comment

  • tbone0103 said:

    interested in moving back to texas….. and particularly interested in the open position @ tech

    Report this comment

  • tbone0103 said:

    i have a feeling big cigar is talking about greg mcmackin… please tell me it isnt so!!!!!

    Report this comment

  • garyount said:

    gerald and his staff are here to destroy records and fake them and spin the truth, the insanity continues, who wants to hear anything that would come out of Geralds mouth, way to go, Perry, oh, sorry, emperor,and what is your bidding my master, insanity does rule in Lubbock ..

    Report this comment

  • billy hill said:

    President bailey is an alabama grad. That is why he is at the game.

    Report this comment

  • garyount said:

    Hey guys the AJ posted another story, its not about Leach, its concerning Gerald, as if anyone would beive anything he has to say, what a circus..

    Report this comment

  • The Dude said:

    Cigars are notorious for blowing a lot of smoke.

    Report this comment

  • Ben said:

    Gerald ….you need more tp son.

    It will help you clean up you and Hances mess.

    Guns Up!!!

    Report this comment

  • tbone0103 said:

    I am staring to agree that big cigar is full of crap!!!!! he just want to say “told you so” when they hire someone we arent mentioning…..

    Report this comment

  • Some Guy said:

    I think Gerald has moved on to Depends.

    Report this comment

  • David - TTU 1980 Grad said:

    I would be happy with Ruffin McNeill as the next Red Raider coach, but the more I think about it and observe the current events in Red Raider land, Meyers detests Leach so much, he may want to purge the Tech program of all vestiges of Leach, and hire someone the complete opposite. I believe Meyers does retire this year, and it won’t matter to him what the Tech fans want. That means no more spread, but a SEC type team – defense and three plays with a cloud of dust and punt on offense. Tech will go back to the dark ages. The games will be a total bore to watch, not that I will. Football should be a fun and entertaining game to play and to watch. Personally, I would rather lose 50-48 games than win 3-0 games. Just me – but I fear the worst in this coming hire.

    Report this comment

  • Red Raider 76 said:

    ok ok ok — after reading the latest today on RedRaiderSports.com I am gonna side with the Ruffin!!

    1) He is qualified
    2) He did his job and under composure at Alamo Bowl
    3) He has worked hard and campaigned on Tech behalf for yrs with the alums
    4) He will keep the air raid offense with probably Dykes as on OC
    5) I don’t think A N Y B O D Y wants the job as much as he does

    DESIRE??? If you have desire and faith and energy you can move mountains. I haven’t seen this type of desire for
    something in a long time. I think we should give him his shot!!! He has given us 10 yrs. Let’s Coach McNeil his due!

    GIVE HIM THE JOB!

    Report this comment

  • Mike said:

    Why don’t we start a campaign & get everyone to mail pacifiers to James & ESPN? Anyone know good addresses other than the general one on ESPN’s website?

    Report this comment

  • Techguy14 said:

    Ted Liggett just showed up at the Lubbock County Court House with 105 pages of pleadings for the 3 stooges and slacker James.

    Report this comment

  • Joe said:

    Ed Orgeron. Call him. From the Tennessee profile:

    Orgeron long has been regarded as a premier defensive line coach and recruiter. He stockpiled talent during his three seasons at Ole Miss after playing a key role in the Trojans winning national championships in 2003 and 2004. Orgeron joined the USC staff in January 1998, took on the added responsibility of recruiting coordinator for the Trojans in 2001, and was then named assistant head coach in 2003. USC’s 2002, 2003 and 2004 recruiting classes were ranked among the nation’s top five, with the 2003 and 2004 groups listed by many as No. 1. Orgeron was named the 2004 National Recruiter of the Year by Sporting News and Rivals.com.

    “It was extremely, extremely important to get Ed Orgeron for two main reasons,” Kiffin said. “No. 1, he’s the best defensive line coach in the country, NFL or college. We are able to bring in somebody who has put a number of first-round picks into the NFL, who’s coached guys, put them on the field right away and made them the best players they could be to get them ready for the day they go to the NFL.

    “No. 2, he’s best recruiter anywhere, anywhere in the country, any conference. If you look at the SEC right now, one of the most talented teams in the SEC is Ole Miss. Ed Orgeron, as everyone knows here, put that team together and you see what’s happening with that team right now.”

    Report this comment

  • Mike said:

    Man, I hope they can sue the devil out of the James family & ESPN!

    Report this comment

  • garyount said:

    It is going to be really interesting to see how this all plays out over time,Rick Perry said he doesnt hire coaches, might be just the opposite, he might at that, maybe we would be better off asking Jim Sowell who the next coach will be the players have come out publicly and said they want Ruff, wonder how that will fly? cant wait to see what next will pop out of this circus,, add on top of that were losing players day by day..

    Report this comment

  • tbone0103 said:

    any score predictions on tonights game???

    Report this comment

  • shawn said:

    Worried that TT is going to return to the same sorry program as when I attended. Here’s some more dirt on Craig James – http://13psi.com/craig-james-puppetmaster/

    Report this comment

  • T. Swindall said:

    Beavis and Butthead: Hance and Myers.

    Dr. Doolittle Bailey.

    How about Baron Batch for coach since they don’t want any discipline?

    Report this comment

  • Randy said:

    Sowell said we can fire Leach at the end of the season and get Briles for half the money.

    The stooges believed him.

    Oh yes I trust these bozos to hire the right coach.

    Report this comment

  • ONE GUN SIDEWAYS, ONE GUN UP, AND ONE IN THE SHOE said:

    Tuberville is our man.

    Wreckem Tech

    Report this comment

  • ut_tee_shirt_fan said:
  • tbone0103 said:

    any score predictions for tonight???

    Report this comment

  • tbone0103 said:

    mine is alabama-24… TU-17

    Report this comment

  • Ron said:

    Myers is a complete idiot who needs to be FIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hire Ruffin.

    Report this comment

  • shawn said:
  • feaco said:

    My prediction is that Bailey is looking for a job at Alabama. Nobody in Texas wants him.

    Report this comment

  • Watchdog114 said:

    Something to ask Myers ( afollow-up question): Why not?

    Report this comment

  • ONE GUN SIDEWAYS, ONE GUN UP, AND ONE IN THE SHOE said:

    shawn said:
    Worried that TT is going to return to the same sorry program as when I attended. Here’s some more dirt on Craig James – http://13psi.com/craig-james-puppetmaster/

    Very interesting article.

    Bama – 34
    Horns – 17

    Its a lock. James Sr arranged it.

    Report this comment

  • Mike said:

    Let’s overwhelm the mail room at ESPN with pacifiers for the James family!!! Small stupid statement sent to small stupid people.

    Report this comment

  • mitchell said:

    I have no plans in keeping Myers as AD.

    Report this comment

  • mitchell said:
  • GunsUp@TTU said:

    Since when has anybody ever believed anything Gerald Myers has said?

    Wreck ‘em

    TTU’85

    Report this comment

  • PaBear said:

    Espn radio pregame coverage just reported guy bailey is there to interview smart. These lying mfers at least need to get on the same page.

    Report this comment

  • mitchell said:

    The tail wags the dog….

    Report this comment

  • steve said:

    Looking ahead at next year’s schedule, I would say 11-1 would not have been unrealistic…..with Leach. It will be no better than 7-5 (8-4 with a lot of breaks) with Tuber or Ruff or Briles.or me or you.

    Report this comment

  • Flash Lite said:

    10-4 on Ruffin!! Nobody has the support of Raiderland more than Ruff!! So many great Head coaches were former coordinators he should get his chance especially with all the support.

    Hire Ruff asap and SAVE THIS YEAR’S RECRUITING CLASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report this comment

  • Big Cigar said:

    Sorry guys-don’t have any new information. Been burning the phones trying to get something, but my alum said the information circuit has gone ice cold. Everyone is mute. The silence is not good. They are working something, but I can’t get any more information on it. If they were not working the back door, GB & GM would have been adamant earlier today and stated there are no interviews scheduled. However, they did not. I don’t have any other source to probe at this point. I have a hunch that scares me. The chancellor is mysteriously MIA and no one knows his travel schedule.

    Report this comment

  • Sweet Rick said:

    What is the espn address to send the pacifiers?

    Report this comment

  • Bennie and the Jets said:

    our Band of Recruits is on the run man!!! You guys know in your hearts Ruffin is who the players, people, and recruits want! so what is the big deal????? Why all this fuss over coach selection as it has stalled when you got a champ right here! Diamonds in your own back yard man!!!!

    Please listen to the popular selection of PLAYERS, PEOPLE, AND RECRUITS!!!!!!! Sign Ruff and if he doesnt make it in 3 yrs then nobody can blame you. Dont you get it? D O N T Y O U G E T I T !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You wouldnt really be to blame.

    With the desire this guy has and experience and talent H E I S R E A D Y!!!!!!!!

    This is our time (2012) to W I N the big 12 next year. For crying out loud! Dont mess with our destiny. Dont be part of the problem – be part of the solution.

    Get Ruff now and lets get on with 2010 and winnin the BIG 12!

    Report this comment

  • Ŧ Watchdog113 said:

    Hance will take the coaching duties. He’s on the recruiting trail now….

    Report this comment

  • Flash Lite said:

    Po ole Whorns! down so bad and no home refs (John Bible) to help them out.

    Turn out the lites!!

    HA HA HA HA — LOL

    For 2010 in Lubbock it is gonna be real UGLY and a long nite for UT. This time Colby Whitlock knocks em out of the Jones not just in to the end zone!!!

    Report this comment

  • Rich B said:

    They just mentioned on TV during the National Championship game that Alabama’s defensive coordinator will interview for Tech’s head coaching spot and that Kent Hance is there to speak with him tomorrow after the game…..hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

    Report this comment

  • Walter said:

    Don, why did you pull the quotes attributable to Meyers concerning Kirby Sharp?

    Report this comment

  • PaBear said:

    Brent Musberger says Smart will interview in the next few days. What a freakin’ joke. I can see a major revolt if he were the hire.

    Report this comment

  • Big Cigar said:

    My guy has been telling me from the get-go there’s another dark horse candidate. I hope it is not who he believes it is.

    Report this comment

  • sally said:

    kirby is also rumored to interview for georgia dc, he played at georgia

    Report this comment

  • dirtytrail said:

    Just hire RM and let’s get on with it.

    Report this comment

  • sports page said:

    I agree dirtytrail and know who you are.

    Report this comment

  • Really?? said:

    OK…if there is no truth to the story, why did they just say that he was interviewing???

    Report this comment

  • wazoo said:

    Tech likes to break-in guys who’ve never been head coach. Myers like to see them squirm and see if he can micro-manage them to death.

    We’re el-cheapo & can’t afford anybody who’s actually been a head coach.

    Whoever it is – i’m betting they’ve never been a head coach in college-level (i don’t count ruffin’s deal).

    Report this comment

  • Always a Red Raider said:

    It appears that we have 3 stooges that are pathalogical liars (along with all the other things we could call them)! And, they think the rest of us are too stupid to know it! VERY FRUSTRATING!! Where is the honor in all of this? This is the way Gerald has handled every other coaching change during his tenure as DA oh yeah (AD) . Please administration sit back and quit making cya decisions and take a deep breath and actually think about what you are doing and what you should be doing. Representing Texas Tech professionally, with the highest honor and ethics should be your main objective. What you have done over the last several weeks does not explemify these standards. Gerald Myers if you respect this University even in the smallest amount you should render your retirement/resignation tomorrow morning. You should not impose yourself in thisdecision. You and you alone could have and should have handled the James situation more responsibly. Every day this administration seems to make things worse. There seems to be even less credibility in these three men than there was last week at this time. Good Luck Coach Briles at Baylor, smart man you are. I would stay away from this mess, too! Who could trust these guys? We certainly cannot!

    Report this comment

  • Sports Nympho said:

    I heard rumors of Major Applewhite…..

    Report this comment

  • airport bar said:

    Don’t know if this has merit, but is it true Tech sent several folks to Reno, NV.

    Report this comment

  • Ŧ Watchdog113 said:

    When has ESPN care to investigate and worry weather something is true or not?

    Report this comment

  • Ŧ Watchdog113 said:

    legalized gambling and sex in NV! better look at receipts …

    Report this comment

  • Big Cigar said:

    Dead silent.

    Report this comment

  • DT said:

    Take it from someone who played for coach ML. It wasn’t only recruiting or the air raid that led to Tech’s success. It was coach’s unwaiverable demand for perfection in practice. This is what the program will miss and leading it to mediocrity.

    Report this comment

  • 2LT_ME said:

    Ruff is already kissing the administrations butt and will work cheap. All of this looking around is just a smoke screen so that they can say that they looked around and he was the best man for the job. I like Ruff but he’s not a head coach.. not yet. We beat a 6-6 team from the Big East who had 19 players that didn’t make the trip. Not exactly an impressive win. Tubberville is the best man for the job by far but I doubt we can afford him.

    Report this comment

  • Ŧ Watchdog113 said:

    right on. Ruff we don’t know if he’ll have that….

    Report this comment

  • Ŧ Watchdog113 said:

    2LT_ME well we had one big player on the sideline. He was so big he brought the program down.

    MSU only had two starters that did not play…others were way down depth charts….

    Report this comment

  • Country Mart said:

    I just can’t resist this!!!!!!!!!!! HEY shorthorn fans: steven! estaben!!!!!!!! LOL your short horns are LOSERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report this comment

  • shane said:

    2LT,

    You are obviously very knowledgeable about the game, as you know that Michigan State is from the Big East ;)

    Ruff may not work, but those of you who say that he won’t do not have any more evidence in support of your position than those who say that he will succeed. It’s a gamble. So stop the hesitating and toss the bones, we’ll either roll a seven or crap out. Let’s just get on with it.

    Report this comment

  • Big 12 said:

    FLASH LITE WISH YOU COULD EVER MAKE IT TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. INSTEAD, THE ALAMO BOWL OR INDEPENPENDENCE BOWL LOOKS GOOD FOR YOU. TECH FANS NEED TO QUIT. LEACH THE WAYWARD PIRATE HAS BEEN NAUGHT AND NOW HAS WALKED THE PLANK. HOPE YOU GET TT AS HE HAS A CHANCE OF BRINGING YOU A SEASON BETTER THAN A NEW YEARS GAME APPEARANCE. I ROOT FOR TECH AS A TEXAS BA DEGREE AND A MASTERS DEGREE FROM TTU. IT HAS BEEN EMBARRASING FOR TTU THE WAY THE FANS HAVE REACTED TO THE PIRATE BEING EXECUTED FROM HIS BAD DIRECTIONS. I HOPE TTU HIRES A GOOD COACH THAT CAN LEAD VERSUS A DICTATORSHIP INSTEAD OF A TEAM PLAYER. GOOD LUCK TECH IN HIRING THE “UNPIRATE” AND HIRING A RESPECTABLE COACH THAT IS RESPECTED NOT ON HIS DREAMS OF BEING A PIRATE OR A SHARK HUNTER AND BEING A GOOD LEADER AND A WINNING COACH. EVER CONSIDER HIRING MACK OR BOB NSTEAD OF A NOVELTY LIKE KNIGHT OR LEACH? OH YEAH, NO CASH ttu.

    Report this comment

  • shane said:

    redraidersports.com is reporting that Guy Bailey has been pushing Kirby Smart since the beginning of this. A defensive coach from the three yards and a cloud of dust SEC. That’ll fire up the recruits. Bailey may be even dumber than Myers.

    Report this comment

  • shane said:

    DT makes a good point about practice. I’m not worried about replacing Leach at gametime. It’s the teaching and preparations that make the difference. I’m afraid that won’t be so easy to replace.

    Report this comment

  • Ts Secrets said:

    I have it from my wife who works in the AD’s office that they are making the hire this weekend. Its going to be Dennis Franchione.

    Report this comment

  • Cody said:

    Since Craig James fired Leach, why don’t they ask him who he is going to hire?

    Report this comment

  • Eloren said:

    Craig James was not involved in the firing. Leach took care of that himself.

    Report this comment

  • intheknow said:

    Folks,
    Decision will be announced tomorrow afternoon. AD wants to get this over with and also minimize distractions since Saturday is the BB team’s first conference game. Think about all you’ve read today. Who has the AD met and spoken with? The administration did everything it could to get several more interviews, including closet meetings to persuade one or two more coaches to express interest. And yes they were from out west. The alumni circle apparently has a few leaks. All to avoid the embarrassment of having only two serious options, which speaks volumes about the concern of and trust in this administration. Regardless of the hire, Tech loses. It loses the coach who got us here and will lose big financially when the dust settles. Your new coach will bring continuity to the program, which is and has been the driving factor in the selection process. I will only make this one post because it is a done deal. I wish our program continued success and bid you all (raider nation) farewell.

    Report this comment

  • Big 12 said:

    Franchione would be a upgrade over the past. Get rid of Ruffin and hire TAMU defense coordinator who retired.

    Report this comment

  • Ruffin said:

    Gerald Myers called me tonight and told me that they are not hiring me. They want me to stay on as DC and are giving me a raise.

    Report this comment

  • intheknow said:

    The administration did everything it could to get several more interviews, including closet meetings to persuade one or two more coaches to express interest. And yes they were from out west. The alumni circle apparently has a few leaks. All to avoid the embarrassment of having only two serious options, which speaks volumes about the concern of and trust in this administration.

    Report this comment

  • intheknow said:

    The administration did everything it could to get several more interviews, including closet meetings to persuade one or two more coaches to express interest.

    Report this comment

  • intheknow said:

    All to avoid the embarrassment of having only two serious options, which speaks volumes about the concern of and trust in this administration.

    Report this comment

  • Spike said:

    My Son would be great for you. He knows the offense. Ruffin doesn’t know the defense. I will hire a DC from the SEC.

    Report this comment

  • intheknow said:

    Regardless of the hire, Tech loses. It loses the coach who got us here and will lose big financially when the dust settles. Your new coach will bring continuity to the program, which is and has been the driving factor in the selection process. I will only make this one post because it is a done deal. I wish our program continued success and bid you all (raider nation) farewell.

    Report this comment

  • Big Cigar said:

    I’m done for the day. Can’t get any new info. Will hit it again in the morning. Congrats to Bama fans. This SEC win may just sway opinion TT’s way.

    Report this comment

  • Ts Secrets said:

    Spike, Tech football would never let a father interfere with their program. Ever.

    Report this comment

  • Ŧ Watchdog113 said:

    Yes many of the new fans are gone. We need all fans to be able to compete and grow!

    Report this comment

  • John said:

    So this is the SEC’s 4th National Championship in a row (I believe). What is our objective – winning a National Championship or keeping things as is? We have had one interview with a former SEC coach and possibly another. Seems to me a SEC type coach would be OK. What is wrong with that?

    Report this comment

  • Spike said:

    Ts Secrets, I am not interfering. I only want the best for OU, OSU, TAMU UT BU. Sorry, I meant TTU

    Report this comment

  • Concerned TTU Grad said:

    Stop waisting time and sign Ruffin and get the hell out of the way. You people (Kent, Guy and Gerald) are transparent in your scheming and your ineptness is showing through like looking through plastic wrap. You are killing time and losing recruits by your so called “do dilligence” which really is a feeble effort to appear professional.

    In any event, you three are going to be holding onto your a$$ for dear life because Leach is coming after you. The truth, whatever it is, will come out if the judge rules in favor of releasing the documents. So turn the program over to Ruffin so he can salvage what’s left – then resign!!!!!

    Report this comment

  • PacRaider said:

    Hire Tub. You get SEC defense and keep Tech offense. Best of both worlds. You don’t win BCS without top defenses to get the ball to your offense. See Bama, Iowa and Boise State. Remember what OU did to us in 2008 with defense?

    Report this comment

  • DogGaryttrr said:

    ? “Stop waisting time”?

    Really? A ttu grad?

    Gary – is this you?
    ttrr?

    No, Dog we know you’re a ‘master’

    Report this comment

  • tubby for coach said:

    Bring on Tommy Tubberville Quit your crying and cowboy up. He can take it to the next level and maybe a school from Texas or big 12 win a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. But instead cry like little fat girlfriends missing a Double Whata w/ cheese. Maybe Tommy Might keep ruffin to run the offense. I have watched him for 14 years. Hell of a coach. Beat Bama 6 straight. Beat Florida, Lsu. Wake Up and MAN UP.

    Report this comment

  • tubby for coach said:

    He already has the initials. TT. Leach used poor judgement in regards toa student and it caught up with him. Think outside the box and maybe you can get a quality coach. Really I don’t see no big names wanting to come to Texas Tech. Smell the coffee and wake up. Mike Leach would have been a medium coach in the SEC. At best.

    Report this comment

  • tubby for coach said:

    How about a TT campaign. TT for TT. Would you rather be a big fish in big pond or big fish in a small creek. I see a the tears drying up. When you beat OU and TX and AM OUS and NEBRASKA. Look what another sec coach has done. Bob and Bo has done. make a statement to the rest of the Football world. Dry those sore red eyes. Get on the TT for TT train. NEXT STOP LUBBOCK,TEAXAS. Get the visine out and win.

    Report this comment

  • Some fan said:

    The apple of Bailey’s eye — Kirby Smart — just nearly gave away a gimme national championship with a bunch of future Pro Bowl defenders up against a raw, untested freshman QB. Lucky for ‘Bama that Brown didn’t have the sense to buy more running backs instead of letting McCoy sustain three years of WWF body slams.

    The silence from Tech’s coaching caravan may mean it’s lost. They are so blinded by power and arrogance that they were just certain Briles would come running when they snapped their fingers. They forgot they are dealing with a tight knit coaching fraternity, including some of Leach’s former cohorts. Briles can live without them and Smart can do better.

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  • formerfan said:

    I see where Leach’s attorney is asking the Judge for all the information from The Three Stooges (secret emails, etc.) to expedite his case again the Tech Administration. Perhaps the Judge will demand what we all want to know….THE TRUTH!! They can fly all over the country looking for a new coach but until their underhanded good old boy schemes are revealed, they are a bunch of clowns to the coaching community. I hope the court system will flush the vermin from their safe undeground holes (which translates into their security guarded offices.) Any University Administration that has to have armed guards to protect them from their own University’s students & fans should have been gone YESTERDAY. What a JOKE!!

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  • BamaTechFan said:

    For all the foibles, you gotta give a little credit for Kirby Smart interview. Plucking a guy out of a Natl Championship team fresh out of the box deserves acknowledgement. Can they close the deal? Is it the best choice vs. Ruffin?

    Who ate Garrett Gilbert?

    ROLL TIDE ROLL

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  • westexasfarmboy said:

    Kirby Smart will be very sorry if he accepts Leach’s old job. His being contacted by Tech is all about the three stooges saving face. He won’t find any success running the ball in the Big 12. That kind of talent will not come to Lubbock.

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  • Pa Bear said:

    Why blow up a good thing anymore than you already have. In a rebuilding season, Tech finished ranked 21st. Hire Ruff, and get the recruits settled down. At this point we have 6 four star recruits. Not long ago, we’d be lucky to have 1. Not a single 2 star recruit on the list. The kids like the school and they like the current staff. It will be a challenge to continue on without Leach, but a challenge they just might be up to. Give them the chance before you bring in some outsider to tear down what has been built up over the last decade. I will certainly give some credit for the Kirby Smart interview. I will give Myers and Bailey credit for being lying S.O.B.s.

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  • garyount said:

    Isnt that wonderful? At a game with a bonfire going on here in Lubbock. Oh, I forgot the regents made a statement during the game, drink some more kool- aid , they had his back while he was gone to look at a coach that will dismantle the coaching staff,and return to 3 yards and a cloud of dust, really care about the players on Techs football team and what they think, huh? meanwhile another recruit for Tech will decommit , way t go guys, insanity does rule in Lubbock

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  • garyount said:

    Good Point Pa Bear,the more they do, the regents and Bailey and the other idiots and run their mouth the more they tighten the noose around their neck, so to speak and show the world just how insane they really are, talk about egos..

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  • LostRaider said:

    Last night during the NC game, Musburger said the Alabama DC ( Kirby Smart) was going to interview for the TT HC positions because he was friends with GM who is an Alabama alum–is anyone else hearing that?!

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  • BamaTechFan said:

    Guy Bailey, President at TT, is an Alabama alumni.

    Don’t discount the fact that Kirby Smart may wish to keep many of offensive coaches; however, as a general rule, in head coaching circles, you clean house as a matter of basics whether anything else makes sense or not.

    I know from having a father who is retired from a major college program and spent his entire career in athletics.

    Fair, NO, but coaching can be one of the single most brutal professions when it comes to fair.

    I really hate to see the shakeup this causes for the Tech family, alumni, players, students, and most of all, coaches.

    UNFAIR

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  • garyount said:

    you speak volumes, Bama.

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  • Dallas TTU Grad said:

    I guess I knew it all along, but TTU simply cannot afford the salary of a top tier FB coach. The Leach fiasco has broadcasted this fact loud and clear to all alumni, students, fans, and recruits. The administration’s thinking is that TTU will continue to share in Big XII television revenue and bowl money (primarily through the BCS games played by OU and UT) and that there are enough “die hard” TTU FB fans who will absent mindedly renew their season tickets year after year. As a long time TTU fan and season ticket holder, I guess I have no choice but to accept the sad financial situation of TTU and its boosters. However, I will not renew my season tickets and I will not make the 5-6 trips to Lubbock each fall to attend TTU FB games. In addition I will no longer remain a member of the TTU Red Raider Club. I can watch 6-6 and 7-5 TTU games just as easily from my couch or listening (with mild interest) on my radio.

    TTU administration is likely correct in calling Coach Leach “arrogant” and “hard headed,” but he was willing to work in Lubbock to try and make TTU FB a top 10 program. Coach Leach ran a clean FB program, won games, and graduated players. Very unfortunate that a few individuals like Gerald Myers, Scovell, and Sowell (part of the very, very old boys network in which TTU thrives) could not handle Coach Leach’s abrasive personality in exchange for the many positive contributions made by Coach Leach to TTU FB.

    In short, Coach Leach (warts and all) gave TTU FB fans hope. For those of you who think that I am overreacting, spend some time and look back at the history of TTU FB. For those bean counters with the TTU administration who were galled at having to pay Coach Leach a competitive salary, get out your calculators and calculate the loss of revenue and donations that will result from Coach Leach’s firing.

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  • Ŧ Watchdog said:

    Dallas TTU Grad good post. Ditto. I will not be driving in to Lubbock to watch games, renew multiple season tickets, pay Red Raider Club as well. Way to go Tech!

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  • Red and balck said:

    Gerald Myers has to go!!!!

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  • BamaTechFan said:

    TRUE FANS STAND & FIGHT.

    Let them know how you feel and run the instigators off but don’t YOU run off.

    Don’t harm the program further by pulling your support.

    DO NOT BAIL OUT

    If Myers and Hance have to go, good riddance, but for goodness sake, bow your neck and bring the HEAT

    See Team Leach Group on Facebook–over 56,000 strong. That is making a huge statement whether the old fogies get it

    or NOT. Just ask the sitting President of the US. This social networking technology is working.

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  • BamaTechFan said:

    Interesting how ESPN did not have the monitors for sound pick up the deafening “WE WANT MIKE LEACH” chants at Alamodome. Lilly livered tuck and run unethical cowards…

    But did you hear the BAMA chants at end of game last night:

    Hey Texas! Hey Texas!
    We just beat the Hell out of you!
    Rammer Jammer Yeller Hammer!
    Give him Hell ALABAMA!

    TRADITION

    GO TECH

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  • Ŧ Watchdog said:

    57,400 at current totals. We are not running away just pulling our money away from the crooks!

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  • Gerald M (TTU AD) said:

    Why do you all hate me? What did I ever do to you all?

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  • wazoo said:

    I predict the next head coach will be someone that never been a head coach before.

    He will be using the same offense as Leach and the same defense.

    He will be Mike Leach – LITE!.

    (lite on mr. myer’s pocketbook too).

    so, yawn, …. it will all be the same except for the success and wins.

    Is that OK?

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  • LostRaider said:

    Everyone keeps talking about what offense and defense someone is going to run. I am sorry but each caoch has his own philosophy and we wil soon realize (a few years i mean) that mike leach was more important to the offense that folks think. No matter who is brought in or stays I always listen to what a wise coach once said. “It aint about the Xs and the Os, it’s about the jimmies and the joes”.

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  • LostRaider said:

    sorry about the spelling error but you get the point

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  • Rompin Raider said:

    The only difference in our football program and the Titanic is…the Titanic had a band!

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  • Ŧ Watchdog said:

    How long did it take to find the ship? Well we might be in for a LONG LONG recovery…..

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  • 2 CENTS said:

    Asked if Tuberville would receive a similar follow-up, Myers said, “I think if he were locally, possibly there would be. In fact, I did call and talk to Tuberville today and told him that we’re still in the process and that we hope to have a decision before long.’’

    WHAT?

    In response to what have you ever done to me. You choked me when I played on your team. That was not considered abuse or discipline, just persuading me to come around to your point of view.

    I heard at halftime last night on the air, it was mentioned that They were there to interview Smart. What’s up?

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  • KO said:

    How about Ruff replaces GM as AD , and TT takes over as HC.

    Willis as DC and try to maintain as much of remaining staff as is possible.

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  • Atx red raider alumni said:

    I like ruffin but a motivator will only get u so far. We need a head coach, and the best guy for that will be tommy tuberville.

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  • MKBRaiderFan said:

    I have news for all of the Red Raider Nation, the Administration will never be taken seriously as a group to negotiate in good faith any type of employment contract. Until we clean house, hint hint Gov. Perry, Tech is going back to mediocrity, back to the early 80′s.

    I read the amended petition filed by Ligget, they are going to clean the coffers. Hell, we might have to go to the Fed for some bail out money!

    Freakin idiots! Conspirators, Criminals…. Just the kind of individuals that you want running the School!

    I’m out!

    One last thing, how about that Craig James for Senator? What a joke!

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  • 2 CENTS said:

    Big Cigar and Intheknow:

    What exactly are you hearing from your inside sources? I have many friends and co-workers who know I am Red Raider (alum and fan no bandwagon here) and they are in disbelief just like the rest of RR nation. Too bad we cannot trust them not to screw this up even further. To qoute Han Solo, ” I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”

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  • James's suck said:

    Craig James
    12714 W. FM 455
    Celina, TX 75009

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