ESPN REPORT: Texas Tech Head Coach Grant McCasland Shocks College Basketball World, Turns Down Stunning $7.5 Million Offer from Georgia and Notre Dame — Vows Loyalty to Red Raiders: “I Have No Plans Beyond Being the Texas Tech Head Coach”
In a stunning turn of events that’s sent shockwaves through the college basketball community, Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland has reportedly turned down a combined $7.5 million offer from the University of Georgia and the University of Notre Dame, reaffirming his commitment to the Red Raiders.
According to ESPN sources, McCasland was approached with aggressive offers from both programs, each seeking to revitalize their basketball programs under his leadership following a successful season in Lubbock. The joint offer reportedly included performance bonuses, enhanced recruiting resources, and long-term incentives—making it one of the most lucrative packages offered to a non-Power Five coach in recent years.
But McCasland, who took over the Texas Tech program in 2023, was unmoved.
“I have no plans beyond being the Texas Tech head coach,” McCasland told ESPN. “Lubbock is where I want to be, and this program means everything to me. We’re building something special here, and I’m not done yet.”
McCasland’s loyalty comes as a surprise to many, given the high-profile nature of both suitors. Georgia has long struggled to find consistency in the ultra-competitive SEC, while Notre Dame is in the midst of a rebuild and is known for its strong athletic tradition. Both were reportedly willing to give McCasland full control of basketball operations.
But for the 47-year-old coach, whose Texas roots run deep, the decision was clear. After guiding the Red Raiders to a 24–10 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance in his first season, McCasland has earned respect not just for his tactical acumen, but for instilling a tough, defense-first mentality that mirrors the grit of the Texas Tech fan base.
“Grant has shown what it means to be a Red Raider,” said Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt. “His commitment to our student-athletes, the university, and our community speaks volumes. We’re incredibly proud to have him leading this program.”
The news will undoubtedly energize Texas Tech fans, many of whom feared losing their rising star to a higher bidder. Instead, McCasland’s loyalty adds another chapter to his growing legacy and solidifies his place as a foundational figure in the program’s future.
In an era where coaching turnover is increasingly common, McCasland’s decision to stay put is both rare and powerful—a statement that echoes far beyond the hardwood.