Wyoming got the game — three, to be exact — and the money. Texas Tech got coach Jeff Linder.
Now an assistant for the Red Raiders, Linder will reconvene with his former team on Wednesday when the Cowboys visit Lubbock, Texas.
Linder was Wyoming’s head coach for four seasons before suddenly departing in May, reportedly suggesting that the lack of name, image and likeness opportunities within the program was a major factor. He joined longtime friend Grant McCasland’s staff at Texas Tech.
It was later revealed that in exchange for losing Linder, Wyoming would receive a $300,000 guarantee from Texas Tech for playing one game in Lubbock this season and another one next season. Wyoming will also receive $500,000 for playing at Texas Tech in football in 2028.
The Cowboys quickly found a new coach in Sundance Wicks, who was the Joe B. Hall National Coach of the Year at Green Bay last season.
Having spent three seasons (2020-23) as Linder’s assistant at Wyoming, Wicks said there are no hard feelings toward his former boss.
“I just love him. He’s the reason why I’m here,” Wicks told Pokes Insider. “I’ll never take that for granted. Highly grateful, will always be. I love his family. His kids are great, wife’s great.”
Coming off last year’s 15-17 finish, the Cowboys are 2-0 this season after solid wins over Concordia-St. Paul and Tennessee State. Guard Obi Agbim leads Wyoming with 24.5 points per game and has made 7 of 9 3-point attempts, while Jordan Nesbitt averages 13 points and 11.5 rebounds.
Texas Tech (2-0) received votes in Monday’s AP Top 25 poll after cruising to home wins over Bethune-Cookman and Northwestern State. The Red Raiders have won 32 straight nonconference home games.
New Mexico transfer JT Toppin, the younger brother of NBA veterans Obi (Indiana) and Jacob (New York), has averaged 22 points and 7.5 rebounds for Texas Tech. Kerwin Walton scores 16 points per game and Darrion Williams has 17 assists this season.
“I love our team and we’ll keep getting better,” McCasland said after Friday’s 86-65 win over Northwestern State. “(It) was a figure-it-out type of game. Find a way to win the game in a gritty way and let’s get on to the next one.”
