Texas Tech Football: Tommy Tuberville a Lucky Catch for Red Raiders

What was thought to be a open search for Texas Tech really came down to two people: Ruffin McNeill and Tommy Tuberville.

On Saturday, Tech went with the bigger name.  Tuberville will become the new head coach for the Red Raiders.

I wrote earlier this week that Tuberville would be a lucky catch for the Red Raiders.  When you think about it, it does fit everyone's requirements.

For Tuberville, he wanted to take over a program in BCS conference and try his luck at coaching again.  The Lubbock area has a similar demeanor to Auburn.  He won't exactly be starting at square one, but there will be some work to do to get the Red Raiders in contention. 

For the Tech administration, Tuberville is the complete opposite from Leach in every way.  They won't have to worry about what Tuberville does every waking minute.  His 110-60 record as a head coach at both Ole Miss and Auburn speak for itself. 

Tuberville can win big games, he can win championships, and he can overcome outside distractions as well. 

From talking to students at the university, it seems that Tuberville was what they wanted.  Tuberville's name will also attract those big donors to the University. 

All in all, this looks like a great deal.

I'm just curious about one thing: what's in the contract?

If Tuberville is making less money than Mike Leach was, then I'd say it was a genuine steal for the Red Raiders.  I have my doubts about that.

If Tuberville is making as much, if not more, money than Leach, then it's another slap in Leach's face and another example on how the administration handles problems.

If Mike Leach was such a problem with the administration, why didn't they just get rid of him before signing a bigger contract in 2008?

The hire of Tuberville still doesn't right everything on how the Leach situation was handled or corrects any of the alleged wrong doings by Leach.

It does give the football program a new start. 

That start will include a tougher defense and more emphasis on the running game, but it should keep the passing game as its main attack.  The days of 50 passes per game will be an afterthought with Tuberville.

However, as with any situation in college football, one can win over supporters easier if the wins start piling up. 

Under Tuberville, those wins should come early and often.