
Previous role: Outside linebackers coach, Baylor Bears
We’ve reached the part of the list that involves coaches moving from one Power Five program to another. In both cases, Joey McGuire was in SEC country despite being in the Big 12. That will still have somewhat of an effect on Tennessee football going forward. As we mentioned with Sonny Cumbie’s hire, Matt Wells was fired by the Texas Tech Red Raiders midway through last year.
The firing was actually a bit shocking, as Wells, in his third year, was 5-3 and en route to his first winning season after replacing Kliff Kingsbury. Cumbie took over for him the rest of the way and finished 2-3, including a Liberty Bowl win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Joey McGuire now heads to Texas Tech for his first head coaching job. He has spent the past five years as an assistant with the Baylor Bears, first under Matt Rhule and then under Dave Aranda, so he has plenty of experience. Also, he has coached tight ends, defensive ends and linebackers, so he brings a wide variety of experience to his first job.
Obviously, similar to TCU, McGuire is going to impact fellow SEC foes of the Vols more than he will impact the Vols themselves, but being at a Power Five program in a state with one and what will soon be two SEC schools makes him a relevant hire. He could have a big impact.