Texas Tech Locks Down Coach McCasland Through 2031 Following Deep NCAA Run and Toppin’s Record-Breaking Year

In a bold move that solidifies the program’s future, Texas Tech University has announced a contract extension for men’s basketball head coach Grant McCasland through the 2030–2031 season. The decision comes on the heels of the Red Raiders’ electrifying run to the Elite Eight and a season headlined by the sensational performance of standout forward Jacob Toppin.

McCasland, who originally took over the Texas Tech program in 2023, has quickly transformed the team into a national powerhouse, blending gritty defense with an opportunistic offense. His efforts have now been formally recognized, as the university has opted to keep him at the helm for the foreseeable future.

We’re thrilled to have Coach McCasland continue to lead our basketball program,” said Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt. “His leadership, values, and relentless work ethic are exactly what we want this program to represent. The way he’s united our players, staff, and fan base is remarkable.”

McCasland has become known for his emphasis on defensive intensity, discipline, and team unity—values that echoed throughout the 2024–25 season. Under his guidance, the Red Raiders stormed through the Big 12 Conference with a resilient mindset, capturing signature wins and surging into March Madness as one of the most battle-tested squads in the field.

The Red Raiders reached the Elite Eight for the first time since their 2019 national championship game appearance, silencing critics who had questioned the team’s consistency earlier in the year. McCasland’s tactical flexibility and ability to rally his squad when it mattered most were pivotal to their postseason success.

“Coach never let us back down from a challenge,” said senior guard Pop Isaacs. “He held us accountable, pushed us every day, and always made sure we believed in ourselves—even when nobody else did.”

While McCasland’s coaching stole headlines, no single player captured more attention than Jacob Toppin. The 6-foot-9 forward, who transferred to Texas Tech with a chip on his shoulder, delivered one of the most memorable individual campaigns in school history.

Toppin led the Red Raiders in scoring and rebounding, routinely dominating both ends of the floor. His ability to score from the perimeter, finish at the rim, and defend multiple positions made him a nightmare matchup for opponents.

In a season-defining performance, Toppin poured in 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in a Sweet 16 upset over the No. 2 seed Kentucky—ironically the school where his older brother Obi played and where Jacob himself began his collegiate career. That game solidified his legacy in Lubbock and added to the mounting buzz surrounding his NBA draft stock.

While the exact financial terms of McCasland’s new deal haven’t been disclosed, sources indicate the contract includes a significant raise, performance-based incentives, and improved resources for recruiting and program development.

The extension reflects Texas Tech’s desire to maintain continuity and capitalize on the program’s upward momentum. After a few turbulent seasons following the departure of Chris Beard, the Red Raiders have rediscovered their identity under McCasland’s stewardship.

Coach McCasland has re-established what Red Raider basketball is all about—heart, hustle, and excellence,” said university president Lawrence Schovanec. “We’re proud to have him guiding our program for years to come.”

With McCasland’s contract now extended, Texas Tech is poised to remain a major force in the Big 12 and beyond. The team is expected to return several key contributors next season, along with a promising recruiting class that reflects McCasland’s growing influence on the national stage.

Incoming freshman guard Jaylen Sanders, a top-40 national prospect, cited McCasland’s vision and leadership as the primary reason he committed to Texas Tech.

The Red Raiders’ decision to extend Coach Grant McCasland is more than a reward for a remarkable season—it’s a declaration of intent. With his program-defining philosophy, unmatched work ethic, and proven ability to develop talent like Jacob Toppin, McCasland has earned the trust of the university and the fanbase.