While one coach ignites controversy with a massive deal, Tech's Joey McGuire quietly delivers historic wins as the ultimate college football bargain.
ARLINGTON - Down somewhere between Ole Miss and LSU exists a path of deceit and destruction.
Coach Lane Kiffin last week jumped from the former school to the latter, creating so much tumult along the way to him being given a new seven-year $91 million deal with the Tigers that is almost seemed like he created the controversy on purpose.
He's being accused by his own Ole Miss players of being a liar, and he's being judged by college football observers as emblematic of what's wrong with the sport.
Another standout coach also has a new contract. It's come with some fanfare ... But with no foolishness.
As part of an historic season at Texas Tech, the school announced on Tuesday that it has agreed on a new seven-year contract with coach Joey McGuire.
The new deal averages nearly $7 million per year. ... so it's about half of what Kiffin is making.
But where is all the deviousness? Where is all the destruction?
"I couldn't be more thankful for (Tech AD_ Kirby Hocutt and our administration for the belief in this football program," McGuire said in a statement. "I've said it countless times but my family and I love Lubbock, this university and this fan base.''
McGuire isn't saying this because he just got paid. He's saying it because like most everything else he's done in moving from being a legendary DFW high school coach to taking Tech to Saturday's Big 12 title game, is all about sincerity and energy and a sort of unassuming class.
Under McGuire, the Red Raiders are No. 4 in the College Football Playoff ranking, having completed an 11-1 regular season highlighted by a series of blowouts.Each of these wins has come by at least 20 points. ... and now Texas Tech is making its first Big 12 championship appearance against BYU on Saturday in Arlington at AT&T Stadium.
The big stage. For the right guy.
Said McGuire, whos is 34-17 in his four years in Lubbock: "We expect to continue to elevate this program where appearances in the Big 12 title game, like this Saturday, and the College Football Playoff are expected on an annual basis."
McGuire should be taken seriously here. ... because he's not lying about his intentions or himself. And especially compared to what's happening with Kiffin, all of that might make the Tech coach the best bargain in college football.