Following the departure of Dave Smart from the Texas Tech basketball team to take on a coaching role at Pacific, a vacancy on Grant McCasland’s staff arose. In seeking to fill this void, McCasland had to consider other sitting head coaches to find the most suitable candidate. Jeff Linder, who had served as the head of the men’s basketball program at Wyoming for the past four years, was ultimately selected as the replacement. His upcoming move to Texas Tech garnered attention from ESPN’s Pete Thamel, who highlighted the unique nature of Linder’s transition to Lubbock.
Linder’s transition to Texas Tech was accompanied by some complications from his previous position at Wyoming. It was disclosed that his successor at Wyoming, Sundance Wicks, had already been appointed before Linder’s appointment to Texas Tech was finalized. During McCasland’s initial offseason availability, he illuminated the circumstances, characterizing them as distinct due to the challenges posed by the name, image, and likeness landscape. McCasland underscored the opportunity for Linder to be part of a successful team at Texas Tech as a pivotal factor in his decision to join the coaching staff.
Notwithstanding the challenges, McCasland and Linder share a longstanding connection dating back to their time at Midland College, where they jointly led the team to a JUCO national quarterfinal appearance. Their paths intersected once again when McCasland held the position of residence hall director and Linder was employed at Division II Emporia State, with Linder making efforts to recruit players from McCasland’s college. The history and trust between the two coaches played a significant role in Linder’s move to Lubbock.
Nevertheless, the repercussions of Linder’s move became evident as reports emerged regarding the buyout agreement between Texas Tech and Wyoming. As part of the agreement, Wyoming is slated to participate in non-conference games in Lubbock during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, with Texas Tech guaranteeing payments of £150,000 each (£300,000 in total). Additionally, Wyoming will receive £200,000 for their return football game in Lubbock in 2028. These financial agreements were regarded as a compromise between the two universities to address Linder’s departure from Wyoming.
Amidst the controversy, Linder has officially joined the Red Raiders, and McCasland views his addition as a positive step forward for Texas Tech’s on-court performance. McCasland underscored Linder’s coaching abilities and game planning as valuable assets for the team, while also highlighting his character and integrity as essential contributions to the program’s ethos.
In summary, Jeff Linder’s journey to the Texas Tech basketball staff has been intricate, marked by unexpected developments and professional negotiations. As he assumes this new role, his influence on the team’s dynamics and performance will be closely observed, with the anticipation that his addition will bring success and growth to the Red Raiders.