Nate Night Thoughts: Trust Kirby Hocutt

In the wake of Kliff Kingsbury’s dismissal as the head football coach there have been numerous opinions on the decision to move on from the offensive guru.

Some fans are happy as it signifies new hope for the football team; some are shocked and believe that this is the worst move Tech could have made since firing Mike Leach; while others feel it was the right decision but are torn because of the person that Kliff is and the respect people have for him.

Wherever your feelings may lie, I assure you that Kirby Hocutt cares just as much - if not more - as you do. If you didn’t watch the press conference with Kirby on Sunday, I advise that you do so. Kirby believes in this program moving forward and so should you.

Kirby Hocutt made a difficult decision to remove Kliff from the head coaching position. Kliff was one of the most liked and respected coaches among Texas Tech fans, but ultimately winning is what matters the most in the world of sports and Kirby knows that.

In the press conference with Kirby, you can see the emotion that he displays. Many will have their own interpretations of his body language, but I saw a man who was so torn to remove Kliff. He seemed to be heartbroken, frustrated, and hopeful.

Heartbroken because he knew he had one of the highest character individuals in Kliff, frustrated because this team has shown progress at times, but it has yet to result in wins, and hopeful because he knows that Texas Tech football can compete at the highest level of college football.

The passion that Kirby shows is more than any Red Raider can ask for. Kirby deeply cares about Texas Tech and he wants to win because he knows this university can win and can win now.

Kirby has turned a forgotten basketball program into a nationally relevant team and he has elevated a baseball program that had never really seen any national success until he brought in Tim Tadlock.

I believe Texas Tech is lucky to have Kirby Hocutt as its athletic director and I have full faith that he will hire the right football coach to bring success back to the South Plains.