ESPN REPORT: Red Raider Legend Returns: Doak Walker Winner Byron Hanspard Joins Texas Tech Coaching Staff as Running Backs Coach…
In a heartwarming reunion that has energized the Texas Tech football community, legendary Red Raider Byron Hanspard is returning to Lubbock—not as a player, but this time as a coach. ESPN has confirmed that the former Doak Walker Award winner has joined the Texas Tech coaching staff, taking on the role of Running Backs Coach for the upcoming season.
Hanspard’s return marks a full-circle moment for both the player and the program. A standout running back for Texas Tech in the mid-1990s, Hanspard carved out a place in school history with his explosive speed, powerful runs, and unforgettable performances on the field. He earned the prestigious Doak Walker Award in 1996, honoring the nation’s top college running back, after rushing for an incredible 2,084 yards in a single season—a school record that still stands today.
Now, nearly three decades after dominating the gridiron in the scarlet and black, Hanspard is back to share his experience and mentor the next generation of Texas Tech stars. Head Coach Joey McGuire expressed excitement about the hire, emphasizing both Hanspard’s legacy and his deep understanding of what it means to be a Red Raider.
“Byron isn’t just a great football mind—he’s Texas Tech royalty,” said McGuire. “Our players are going to benefit tremendously from his leadership, his knowledge, and the example he sets both on and off the field.”
Hanspard’s return has already ignited enthusiasm among alumni and fans alike. Many remember not just his jaw-dropping performances, but also his dedication and humility as a student-athlete. After declaring for the NFL Draft in 1997, Hanspard was selected in the second round by the Atlanta Falcons, where he spent several seasons before injuries cut his professional career short.
Despite the early end to his NFL journey, Hanspard remained connected to the sport and to his alma mater. In recent years, he has worked with youth athletes, served as a motivational speaker, and even returned to Texas Tech to complete his degree—an accomplishment he once cited as one of his proudest moments.
Now, as a coach, he brings that same passion to a new role, one focused on building strong athletes and strong men. “Coming back to Texas Tech feels like coming home,” Hanspard said in a statement. “This program shaped me into the person I am today, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to give back and help guide these young men through their own journeys.”
With Hanspard now in charge of developing Texas Tech’s backfield talent, expectations are rising. His return is more than just a symbolic gesture—it’s a strategic move to inject the program with championship-level experience and an indelible Red Raider spirit.
As spring training progresses and preparations begin for the fall season, all eyes will be on Hanspard as he transitions from record-breaking running back to inspirational coach. One thing’s for sure: Red Raider Nation is ready to welcome one of its greatest heroes back to the sidelines.
