According to a report today from Mac Engel, there is growing frustration at Texas Tech after 4-8 and 4-6 finishes under second-year head coach Matt Wells.
That frustration, on the heels of a new investigation we detailed yesterday that re-examines Baylor's dismissal of Art Briles and the scandal around it, has reportedly led to support for the controversial former Baylor head coach in the Texas Tech community.
Briles, who has led Mount Vernon HS (TX) to an appearance in the Class 3A Division I semifinals against Jim Ned HS later tonight, has been in the mix for a number of job openings over the last few years, but the public backlash and outcry that has always followed has led his name being scratched from consideration.
Back in 2018, Texas Tech even kicked the tires on hiring Briles, who has deep Texas roots dating back to his high school coaching days, but their process ultimately ended it the hire of Wells, who was having success at Utah State at the time.
Wells, who signed a six-year contract when he was hired back in late November of 2019, is making $3 million annually in Lubbock. That figure ranks near the bottom of the Big 12 just above Chris Klieman (Kansas State). Over the past two seasons, Wells is 8-14, including a 5-13 record in the Big 12. At Utah State, Wells went 44-34 overall in six seasons.
The report adds that there is a group of Red Raiders boosters that is prepared to cover the $9 million buyout to part ways with Wells, the former head coach who was hired away from Utah State, after two seasons.
Head here to read the full piece from the Star-Telegram.
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