TEXAS TECH REUNITES WITH GRAHAM HARRELL AS QUARTERBACKS COACH – FORMER STAR SIGNAL-CALLER RETURNS ON ANNUAL DEAL WORTH…..READ MORE….
The Texas Tech Red Raiders have made yet another powerful statement about their commitment to tradition and excellence—by bringing home one of their most iconic quarterbacks. Graham Harrell, the record-shattering signal-caller who led the Red Raiders to national prominence in the late 2000s, is returning to Lubbock as the team’s new Quarterbacks Coach on a $1.8 million annual deal.
The announcement was met with resounding excitement across the Texas Tech community, with fans, alumni, and former teammates celebrating the homecoming of a player whose name is etched into Red Raiders lore.
Harrell, who played for Texas Tech from 2005 to 2008, orchestrated one of the most explosive offenses in college football history under former head coach Mike Leach. He holds multiple school and NCAA records, including 15,793 career passing yards, 134 touchdown passes, and the unforgettable game-winning drive in the legendary 2008 upset over the Texas Longhorns.
Now, nearly two decades after captivating fans with his poise, accuracy, and leadership, Harrell returns with a new mission: to mentor the next generation of Red Raider quarterbacks and help guide Texas Tech back to national contention.
“Texas Tech means everything to me,” Harrell said at his introductory press conference. “It’s where I grew up as a quarterback and a man. To be back in Lubbock, coaching and developing the guys who wear this jersey now, it’s a dream come true.”
Harrell’s post-college career included a brief stint in the NFL, but he quickly transitioned into coaching, developing a reputation as a gifted offensive mind. He’s served as offensive coordinator at North Texas, USC, West Virginia, and most recently at Purdue. His return to Texas Tech is seen as both a strategic move and a cultural reconnection with the fanbase.
“We’re building something special here, and having Graham back is a huge part of that,” said Head Coach Joey McGuire. “His experience, his knowledge of the Air Raid system, and most importantly, his passion for this program make him the perfect fit for this role.”
Harrell’s impact is expected to be immediate. With a talented group of quarterbacks on the roster, including rising star Will Burns, the Red Raiders are confident that Harrell’s tutelage will elevate their offensive production.
“Coach Harrell knows what it takes to thrive in this system,” Burns said. “We’ve all watched his highlights, seen his records, and now we get to learn from him up close. It’s an incredible opportunity.”
Fans are equally thrilled. The buzz around Harrell’s return has been electric, with #HarrellBack, #GunsUp, and #RedRaiderRevival trending shortly after the announcement.
“This is exactly the kind of move we needed,” said lifelong Red Raiders fan Michelle Hernandez. “Graham Harrell IS Texas Tech football. His return brings pride and hope to the whole community.”
The decision to bring back Harrell also strengthens recruiting, especially for quarterbacks and skill-position players drawn to the allure of playing in a high-powered offense under a coach who’s lived it at the highest level of the college game.
“Every QB in the country knows Graham Harrell,” said McGuire. “When they hear he’s coaching at Texas Tech, it’s going to open doors we haven’t had access to in years.”
Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt echoed that sentiment: “We’re not just hiring a coach—we’re restoring a legacy. Graham represents the best of what Texas Tech has been, and what we believe it can be again.”
Harrell’s contract includes performance bonuses tied to offensive production, quarterback development, and team success. But beyond the numbers, it’s the emotional significance of his return that resonates most with Red Raider Nation.
“To be back, to walk into Jones AT&T Stadium and feel that energy again—it’s something special,” Harrell said. “I’m not here just to relive the past. I’m here to build the future.”
As Texas Tech prepares for a pivotal 2025 season, the return of one of its most cherished stars brings a renewed sense of identity, purpose, and ambition. With Graham Harrell back in Lubbock, the Red Raiders are not just chasing wins—they’re reigniting a legacy.
