Texas Tech Red Raiders Former Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury Delivers Emotional Farewell Message to Fans – “To the incredible fans of Texas Tech, thank you”
Former Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury delivered an emotional farewell message to Red Raider fans on Thursday, marking the end of a storied chapter in Lubbock. Though Kingsbury has moved on in his coaching career, his deep connection to the Texas Tech community was on full display as he reflected on his time with the program that helped shape him both as a player and coach.
“To the incredible fans of Texas Tech, thank you,” Kingsbury began, his voice thick with emotion in a video message shared on social media. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for embracing me and my journey. You gave me a chance as a young coach and supported me through the highs and lows. I’ll never forget that.”
Kingsbury, a former standout quarterback for the Red Raiders, returned to his alma mater in 2013 as head coach. Though his tenure was marked by mixed results on the field—finishing with a 35–40 overall record—it was also filled with electric offenses, unforgettable games, and a deep love for the university.
“Walking the sidelines at Jones AT&T Stadium, feeling that roar from the crowd, seeing a sea of red—it meant everything to me,” he continued. “That’s not just a stadium. That’s a home. And you, the fans, made it that way.”
Kingsbury’s time as head coach helped develop some of the most dynamic offensive players in college football, including future NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes. His innovative offensive schemes became his trademark, eventually helping him land jobs at both the NFL level and, more recently, as offensive coordinator at USC and now returning to the league in a new role.
“I’ve grown so much because of Texas Tech,” Kingsbury said. “It was my dream job. It was never just about football—it was about relationships, it was about loyalty, and it was about doing everything I could to make you proud.”
The video tribute featured highlights from his time as both a player and coach—shots of him slinging passes in his college days, celebrating with players on the sideline, and interacting with fans during Red Raider events.
He closed the message with a final nod to the city that raised him in so many ways. “Lubbock will always be a part of me. It’s where I became a man. It’s where I learned how to lead. And no matter where this coaching journey takes me, I’ll always carry that Raider spirit.”
Fans flooded the comments with gratitude, support, and memories of Kingsbury’s time with the team. While his coaching journey continues elsewhere, Kingsbury’s bond with Texas Tech remains unbreakable.
For many Red Raiders, he’s not just a former coach or quarterback—he’s a symbol of a beloved era, a hometown hero who gave his heart to the program. And in his words, th
at love was mutual.
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