Is Texas Tech About to Lose Its Head Coach?

It's always interesting when a coach gets let go from a high-profile program in any sport. That is something that recently happened as Hubert Davis was let go as head coach of men's basketball at North Carolina.

Now I know, you're sitting here asking how this impacts you in the Texas Panhandle...and I'm going to tell you, because it's something that COULD really shake up Texas Tech men's basketball, and not in the way one would hope.

Recent Success Of Texas Tech

The Texas Tech men's basketball team has been on a bit of a run recently. Now, that's obviously due to a myriad of things taking place and coming together. Players developing, strong recruiting classes, NIL money (yes, I said it), and coaching.

Let's focus on that last one. Coaching. A bad coach can have a team of superstars and watch them all underperform. A good coach can have a team made up of players who aren't considered blue-chip athletes and still win. Enter Texas Tech. Never one to be at the top of recruiting classes or anything like that, it took everything to come together. Once they tabbed Grant McCasland as the head coach of the men's basketball team, everything changed.

Could Coach McCasland Be Headed To Chapel Hill

In just three years with Tech, McCasland has compiled a 74-31 record, good for a .705 winning percentage. That's pretty good. The Red Raiders have been in the NCAA Tournament three years in a row, with a run to the Sweet 16 last season. All of this leads to eyes on the coach piecing it all together and potential for a new gig.

Texas Tech is a good job, but North Carolina is historic. Called a "blue blood program", the history and allure of that head coaching gig is real. McCasland has been identified as a potential candidate for the recent opening there. It would be a good hire for the Tar Heels, and a devastating blow to Tech.

One Thing Might Get In The Way

I say this cautiously because a school like North Carolina has money and a lot of boosters willing to throw in more for the right hire. McCasland has a buyout clause in his contract with Texas Tech, meaning any other school that hires him is responsible for paying this fee to Tech.

The fee in McCasland's deal? How about a touch over $10 million? That's how much it would cost another school to poach him. Again, that's not to say UNC isn't willing to pay it; just about any coach they look at will have a large buyout fee attached to them. The question is...will McCasland be the guy they're willing to pay that for? Maybe...only time will tell. Get ready for a wild ride, Tech fans.