Texas Tech Doubles Down on Krista Gerlich: Strategic Shakeup Ensures Her Return for 2025–26 Season

In a move both defiant and decisive, Texas Tech University has announced that Krista Gerlich will remain as head coach of the Lady Raiders basketball program through the 2025–26 season. The confirmation comes amid mounting public pressure and skepticism from a restless fanbase, but the university is standing firmly behind Gerlich — and doing so with intent.

Behind the scenes, the program has undergone a calculated restructuring. After a disappointing stretch in Big 12 play that saw the team post a 24–66 conference record under Gerlich’s leadership, the university opted not for dismissal, but rather for disruption — shaking up the staff in a bid to reset the program’s internal culture and tactical approach.

Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt made the announcement official during a press conference held on campus earlier this week. “We believe in Coach Gerlich’s vision,” Hocutt said. “We believe that with the right people around her, the Lady Raiders can reach their potential and reclaim their place among the Big 12’s elite.”

This public vote of confidence, however, does not mean the pressure is off. If anything, expectations have intensified. By allowing Gerlich to stay while simultaneously overhauling her coaching staff, Texas Tech is signaling that 2025–26 is not just another season — it’s a proving ground.

At the heart of this strategic reset lies a major staff transformation. Several longtime assistants have been reassigned or dismissed, making room for a new wave of basketball minds — some with deep Texas ties, others with fresh perspectives from outside the Big 12.

Chief among the new hires is former WNBA assistant and player development guru Shawna Ingram, who will serve as associate head coach. Known for her meticulous approach to fundamentals and her ability to elevate underperforming talent, Ingram’s arrival has already energized offseason workouts.

Joining her is defensive specialist Carla Simmons, plucked from the SEC after helping lead one of the stingiest defenses in the country. Her focus on grit, rotations, and defensive rebounding addresses one of the Lady Raiders’ most glaring weaknesses from recent seasons.

Gerlich herself called the changes “essential” and “revitalizing,” adding, “We needed to shift the energy. We needed a louder voice in the locker room, a stronger connection between the players and the staff. This new group brings that.”

Gerlich’s retention may have surprised some, especially considering the team’s continued struggles in the highly competitive Big 12. But university insiders point to several key factors that helped sway the decision in her favor.

First, her recruiting footprint remains strong. Texas Tech’s 2025 class is shaping up as one of the most promising in recent memory, anchored by several four-star prospects and a transfer from a major Power Five rival. These incoming players, insiders say, were committed not just to the program, but to Gerlich herself.

Second, player development has shown signs of progress. Despite the team’s poor record, individual players like Bailey Maupin and Jasmine Shavers have blossomed under Gerlich’s guidance, drawing praise for their work ethic and improvement on both ends of the court.

Lastly, there is the emotional connection. Gerlich, a former Texas Tech standout player, remains deeply rooted in the Red Raider community. Her passion for the program is undeniable, and university leadership appears willing to give her every chance to get things right.

Among fans, the response to Gerlich’s extended tenure has been divided. On social media, some voiced outrage, citing the lack of postseason appearances and underwhelming win totals. “We’re stuck in neutral,” one fan wrote. “We can’t keep accepting mediocrity just because someone loves the school.”

Others, however, pointed to the coaching carousel chaos seen in other programs and expressed appreciation for continuity — especially if it comes with the right strategic changes. “Let’s see what the new staff does,” another commenter said. “This is her last chance, and she knows it.”

With the coaching staff rebooted and Gerlich still at the helm, the Lady Raiders now face a pivotal campaign in 2025–26. The non-conference schedule will offer early insight into the team’s cohesion, but it’s the grind of Big 12 play — where Gerlich has struggled the most — that will ultimately determine her fate.