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Texas Tech and North Texas Coaching Changes Impact CFP Prospects

College football fans at a championship game

Dallas, December 4, 2025

Texas Tech University has extended Coach Joey McGuire’s contract through 2032, boosting his salary to nearly $7 million annually after a strong 11-1 season. They are on track for a potential College Football Playoff (CFP) spot. Meanwhile, North Texas appointed Neal Brown as their new head coach, replacing Eric Morris. Brown, with a decade of coaching experience, aims to revitalize the program. Both coaching changes have significant implications for the College Football Playoff landscape in Texas as they approach championship decisions.

Dallas, Texas – December 4, 2025

Texas Tech’s New Contract and Coaching Changes Impact College Football Playoff Scenarios

Texas Tech University has extended head football coach Joey McGuire’s contract through the 2032 season, significantly increasing his salary to nearly $7 million annually. This decision comes after an impressive 11-1 season for the Red Raiders, who are poised to face No. 11 BYU in the Big 12 Championship Game. A victory in this matchup could secure their first College Football Playoff (CFP) berth, regardless of the outcome of the conference game.

In a noteworthy development for local football, North Texas has appointed Neal Brown as its new head coach, replacing Eric Morris, who has taken a position at Oklahoma State. Brown, 45, brings a decade of experience, having led both West Virginia and Troy with a solid career record of 72-51 and an impressive 5-1 record in bowl games. He has signed a five-year contract with the Mean Green and is well-regarded for his strong leadership and commitment to developing players.

Coaching Changes Set the Stage

These major coaching changes are likely to have significant implications for the College Football Playoff landscape in Texas. Coach McGuire’s contract extension is a clear indication of Texas Tech’s commitment to excellence and sustained success in college football. As they prepare for the championship game, their stellar season puts them in a position to not only aim for a conference title but also a coveted spot in the playoffs.

Meanwhile, North Texas’s selection of Neal Brown marks a pivotal moment for the program as they look to revitalize their performance. With a seasoned coach at the helm, there is optimism regarding their trajectory and potential to make an impact in the coming seasons.

Current College Football Playoff Dynamics

The latest CFP rankings show Alabama and Notre Dame straddling the final two at-large spots, while Texas Tech, alongside other contenders, is striving for a place in the playoff field. As the countdown to the CFP selection continues, the results of conference championships on Sunday will ultimately determine the final playoff brackets.

Insights from Texas Coaches

In a related context, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has voiced his frustrations about the team’s challenging schedule, particularly their narrow defeat to defending national champion Ohio State. Sarkisian posits that such high-stakes matchups may have hindered their playoff positioning, highlighting the strategic considerations that teams must navigate in pursuit of postseason success.

Looking Ahead to Championship Sunday

The atmosphere surrounding the College Football Playoff remains charged with anticipation as coaching changes and championship outcomes promise to shape the landscape for Texas teams. With the final rankings set to be unveiled soon, both Texas Tech and North Texas exemplify the resilience and ambition prevalent among local college programs.

Conclusion

The ongoing developments in college football within Dallas and Texas underscore the community’s investment in sports excellence and local talent development. The coaching transitions at Texas Tech and North Texas not only reflect the aspirations of these programs but also the broader spirit of innovation and achievement that defines the Dallas economy. Supporting local teams and players can bolster community pride and economic growth, so let’s stay engaged and optimistic for our homegrown athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the significance of Texas Tech’s new contract for Coach Joey McGuire?

The extension of Coach McGuire’s contract through the 2032 season, with a significant salary increase, reflects Texas Tech’s commitment to sustained success. This move follows an impressive 11-1 season, with the Red Raiders set to face No. 11 BYU in the Big 12 Championship Game. A victory could secure their first College Football Playoff (CFP) berth, regardless of the conference game outcome.

Who is Neal Brown, and what does his appointment mean for North Texas?

Neal Brown, 45, brings a decade of head coaching experience from West Virginia and Troy, boasting a career record of 72-51 and a 5-1 bowl game record. He signed a five-year deal with North Texas and is praised for his leadership and commitment to player development. His appointment may influence North Texas’s future performance and their standing in the College Football Playoff landscape.

How do these coaching changes affect the College Football Playoff scenarios?

Texas Tech’s strong season and potential conference championship could bolster their CFP prospects, while North Texas’s leadership transition may influence their future performance. The final CFP rankings and the 12-team playoff field will be revealed on Sunday, following the conclusion of conference championship games.

What is the current status of the College Football Playoff rankings?

As the CFP rankings stand, Alabama and Notre Dame currently hold the final two at-large spots, with Texas Tech and other teams vying for inclusion. The final rankings and the 12-team playoff field will be revealed on Sunday, following the conclusion of conference championship games.

What did Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian express regarding the team’s scheduling?

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed frustration over his team’s scheduling, questioning the value of playing defending national champion Ohio State—a game Texas narrowly lost 14-7. He argued that avoiding such matchups could have strengthened their playoff position.

Key Features of the Article

Feature Description
Coaching Changes Details on Texas Tech’s contract extension for Coach McGuire and North Texas’s hiring of Coach Neal Brown.
College Football Playoff Implications Analysis of how these coaching changes impact the CFP scenarios for Texas teams.
Current CFP Rankings Information on the current standings and the final rankings to be revealed on Sunday.
Steve Sarkisian’s Comments Insights into Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian’s views on team scheduling and its impact on playoff prospects.

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STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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