Lubbock, UK – Almost four years after his departure as Head Coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Matt Wells has opened up about the challenges he faced during his tenure, his approach to player development, and his outlook on the program’s future. Wells, who led the Red Raiders from 2019 until midway through the 2021 season, recently shared his reflections, offering a perspective on a period marked by significant transitions and the ongoing quest for sustained success in Lubbock.
Wells stepped into the Texas Tech program following a period of coaching change and acknowledged the complexities of building momentum amidst such transitions. “Coming into a program with an existing culture and trying to implement your vision takes time and consistent effort,” Wells stated. “We faced the challenge of blending new philosophies with established norms, and that process always presents hurdles.” He noted the importance of establishing trust and clear communication with the players and staff during this period of change.
A core tenet of Wells’ coaching philosophy was a focus on comprehensive player development, both on and off the field. “We were committed to helping our players grow as athletes and as individuals,” Wells explained. “That involved not only rigorous training and skill development but also emphasizing academic responsibility, leadership qualities, and character building.” He highlighted the early successes of players like Jordyn Brooks and Douglas Coleman III, who achieved All-Big 12 honors under his guidance and went on to the NFL, as examples of this developmental approach yielding positive results.
Reflecting on his time at Texas Tech, Wells pointed to the unique challenges of competing in the Big 12 Conference. “The Big 12 is a highly competitive league with talented teams and exceptional coaching,” Wells commented. “Week in and week out, you’re facing top-tier competition, which demands constant adaptation and execution.” He acknowledged that while there were moments of progress and promise, achieving consistent success in such a demanding environment required sustained high-level performance.
Looking towards the future of the Texas Tech program, Wells expressed optimism, particularly with the leadership of current Head Coach Joey McGuire. “Coach McGuire is a dynamic and passionate leader who understands the program and the Texas high school football landscape,” Wells stated. “He has brought a renewed energy and a strong connection with the fanbase, which is crucial for building a successful program.”
Wells also acknowledged the evolving landscape of college football, including the impact of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. He believes that navigating these new realities effectively will be crucial for Texas Tech to achieve its goals. “The game is changing rapidly, and programs need to be adaptable and strategic in how they utilize the transfer portal and support their players in the NIL era,” Wells noted.
Ultimately, despite the challenges faced during his tenure, Wells conveyed a belief in the potential of the Texas Tech football program. He emphasized the passionate fanbase, the university’s commitment to athletics, and the rich tradition of the Red Raiders as foundational elements for future success. While his time in Lubbock didn’t unfold as he had hoped, his reflections offer insights into the complexities of program building and a hopeful perspective on the path forward for Texas Tech football under new lead
ership.
