Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire has officially been named to the Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List — a distinction that honors the very essence of what it means to be a leader in college football. The recognition doesn’t just reflect his team’s progress on the field but also celebrates his integrity, his impact in the locker room, and his dedication to the broader community. For those who have followed McGuire’s journey, this moment feels less like a surprise and more like the natural result of relentless commitment, belief, and genuine leadership.
The Dodd Trophy, often described as the most prestigious coaching award in college football, recognizes coaches who embody the three pillars of scholarship, leadership, and integrity. Named after legendary Georgia Tech coach Bobby Dodd, the award goes far beyond wins and losses—it celebrates the coach who not only molds elite athletes but also shapes character, academic excellence, and citizenship. For McGuire, earning a spot on the midseason watch list is a testament to everything he’s built at Texas Tech: a culture rooted in respect, work ethic, and unity.
When Joey McGuire took over the Red Raiders, there was a mix of excitement and skepticism. He wasn’t the traditional high-profile college coaching hire. Coming from a long and successful high school coaching career in Texas before making the jump to college football as an assistant at Baylor, McGuire represented something different—a grassroots builder, a man of relationships, and someone who truly understood Texas football at its core. And that’s exactly what Texas Tech needed: someone who could rebuild from the inside out, someone who would care about the details beyond the playbook.
From his very first day in Lubbock, McGuire’s message was clear: family, toughness, and belief. Those three principles have become the heartbeat of his program. His energy has been infectious; his enthusiasm, unshakable. Whether in a press conference, on the sideline, or in the middle of practice, he radiates authenticity. Players buy in because they see that their coach genuinely believes in them—not as athletes, but as young men.
The Dodd Trophy committee takes these intangibles seriously. It’s not about how flashy a team looks on offense or how dominant they appear on defense; it’s about how the coach leads through adversity, how he fosters academic success, and how he uses his platform for good. McGuire’s presence on this list speaks volumes about the kind of program he’s built—one that values people over statistics and culture over quick fixes.
On the field, McGuire’s Red Raiders have shown steady growth. His teams play with an unmistakable edge—disciplined but daring, gritty but smart. Texas Tech’s identity has become synonymous with resilience. Whether it’s battling through injuries, facing top-ranked opponents, or coming back from early-season setbacks, McGuire’s teams never flinch. That resilience is a reflection of their coach. He’s often seen clapping, shouting encouragement, and holding his players accountable in ways that uplift rather than demean. There’s a trust between coach and team that can’t be faked, and it shows in the way Texas Tech competes every Saturday.
Off the field, McGuire’s influence runs deep. His commitment to community service, academic growth, and character development is what truly sets him apart. He’s not just building a football team; he’s cultivating a family that extends beyond the stadium walls. Whether it’s players volunteering in Lubbock schools, mentoring youth, or supporting local charities, McGuire ensures that the Red Raiders represent something bigger than themselves. That’s the type of impact the Dodd Trophy celebrates—coaches who understand that the lessons of football echo into life.
One of the hallmarks of McGuire’s leadership is how he builds relationships. He has an open-door policy that players and staff often describe as genuine and heartfelt. He knows his athletes by name, knows their families, and takes an active interest in their personal development. That human touch—so rare in an era where college football is dominated by transfer portals and NIL headlines—is precisely what makes him beloved by his players. McGuire doesn’t just coach football; he builds people.
What’s remarkable is how that leadership translates into results. Players talk about how McGuire empowers them to take ownership of their preparation. Practices are structured but flexible, allowing leaders within the team to step up and take charge. He encourages creativity, communication, and accountability. Instead of dictating every move, he trusts his players to make the right decisions. That approach breeds confidence, and confidence breeds success.
In many ways, McGuire embodies the very principles Bobby Dodd himself stood for—winning with class, teaching with compassion, and leading with humility. Those who know McGuire best say he’s not chasing trophies; he’s chasing impact. Yet, ironically, it’s that very mindset that’s brought him into the Dodd Trophy conversation. He doesn’t need headlines or hype—his work speaks for itself.
His background as a Texas high school legend still influences his approach. McGuire spent over a decade coaching at Cedar Hill High School, where he built one of the most respected programs in the state. He led the Longhorns to three state championships and developed countless players who went on to succeed at the next level. More importantly, he earned a reputation for molding leaders—young men who carried themselves with integrity and pride. Those values traveled with him to Texas Tech. He’s still that same passionate coach who believes in the power of relationships and relentless effort.
In the college football landscape, where pressure is constant and turnover is high, McGuire’s steadiness is refreshing. He’s not rattled by criticism, nor is he consumed by praise. He leads with perspective. After wins, he gives credit to his players and assistants. After losses, he takes responsibility. That balance—owning both success and failure—is one of the traits that separates great leaders from good ones. It’s also one of the reasons his peers and opponents alike respect him so deeply.
Academically, McGuire has emphasized the importance of classroom excellence. Under his guidance, Texas Tech players have achieved record GPA improvements and academic honors. He’s made it clear that football is just one part of their journey, and that their degree is a lifelong asset. His players understand that their value isn’t defined solely by performance on the field but by who they become off it. That mindset has created a culture of accountability and purpose.
Community impact remains another cornerstone of McGuire’s tenure. Whether he’s organizing team visits to children’s hospitals, supporting local businesses, or encouraging players to mentor at-risk youth, McGuire leads by example. His compassion and accessibility have made him a beloved figure in Lubbock, a city that values loyalty and grit. He’s built bridges between the university, the fans, and the community, strengthening a bond that extends far beyond game day.
As the Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List was announced, McGuire’s inclusion was met with applause from across the college football landscape. Fans, alumni, and even rival coaches recognized how much he’s accomplished in such a short time. But perhaps the most meaningful reactions came from his players—those who see him every day, who hear his words, and who live his culture. Their excitement was personal, almost protective. They know that the honor is not just about a coach being recognized—it’s about their entire program being validated for doing things the right way.
McGuire himself, true to form, downplayed the attention. In interviews, he’s quick to shift the spotlight elsewhere—to his players, his staff, and the support system around him. He often says that leadership is about service, not status. That humility is part of what makes him special. He doesn’t lead for awards; he leads because he believes in people.
Still, this recognition is more than symbolic. It signals that Texas Tech football has entered a new era—one defined by respect, consistency, and growth. McGuire’s vision is clear: to make Texas Tech not just a competitive program but a model for how college football can be done with integrity. Every practice, every team meeting, and every community event moves that vision closer to reality.
It’s easy to measure a coach’s success in wins and losses, but much harder to measure the unseen victories—the conversations that change a player’s mindset, the lessons that echo long after the final whistle. McGuire’s greatest accomplishments may never appear on a scoreboard. They exist in the culture he’s built, in the young men he’s guided, and in the pride he’s restored to Texas Tech football.
As the season progresses, the Dodd Trophy Watch List will narrow, and names will be debated, ranked, and analyzed. But regardless of where McGuire finishes in that process, one truth remains: his impact is undeniable. He has transformed Texas Tech into a program that plays with heart, unity, and purpose. He’s elevated standards, redefined expectations, and reminded everyone that leadership—true leadership—is about serving others.
For the Red Raider faithful, seeing their coach recognized on a national stage is a moment of pride. It’s validation for the long hours, the belief, and the buy-in that McGuire has inspired. For the players, it’s motivation—to keep pushing, keep believing, and keep embodying the values their coach instills. For McGuire himself, it’s simply another opportunity to show gratitude—for the team, the school, and the journey.
When history looks back on Joey McGuire’s time at Texas Tech, awards like this one may serve as milestones. But the real legacy will be measured in lives changed, communities strengthened, and character built. The Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List didn’t just honor a coach—it honored a movement of purpose, passion, and perseverance. And in Joey McGuire, college football has found a leader who embodies everything the sport should stand for: integrity, heart, and the unwavering belief that greatness starts with people.
