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Big 12 program fires head coach despite 5-3 start
Published:
Texas Tech has fired head coach Matt Wells and has named Sonny Cumbie as the Red Raiders interim head coach. The school released a statement on Monday afternoon.
Texas Tech has announced a change in leadership for the @TexasTechFB program as Sonny Cumbie will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
— Texas Tech Red Raiders (@TechAthletics) October 25, 2021
Cumbie played quarterback between 2000 and 2004 at Texas Tech under then head coach Mike Leach. As a senior, Cumbie was at the helm of Leach’s potent Air Raid attack, and led the nation in passing with 4,732 yards, along with 32 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. That season’s Red Raiders team finished with a 7-4 regular season record.
On the coaching front, Cumbie served as an assistant at Tech from 2009 to 2013. He left to coach at TCU before returning to Lubbock this season as the Red Raiders offensive coordinator.
Wells was in his third season at Texas Tech, and held a 13-17 overall record. The Red Raiders were sitting at a 5-3 record this season, but Wells was only 7-16 in Big 12 games. Pressure had been on Wells since last season’s disappointing 4-6 finish.
Cumbie has a tall order for his first game, as the Red Raiders are scheduled to take on No. 4 Oklahoma at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct 30 in Norman, OK.
Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.