Lubbock, TX – June 17, 2025 – In a move that has ignited immense excitement across Raiderland, former Texas Tech football standout and two-time Biletnikoff Award winner Michael Crabtree has officially accepted a newly created coaching position within the Texas Tech University football program. Crabtree, widely revered as the greatest wide receiver in Texas Tech history, will serve as an Offensive Coach, a role designed to directly leverage his unparalleled expertise in the passing game and cultivate the next generation of Red Raider offensive stars.
The announcement marks a triumphant return home for Crabtree, whose electrifying two-year career in Lubbock (2007-2008) transformed the college football landscape. As a redshirt freshman in 2007, he burst onto the scene with an NCAA-record 134 receptions for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns, earning his first Biletnikoff Award – the first freshman ever to do so. He followed that up with another stellar season in 2008, recording 97 receptions for 1,165 yards and 19 touchdowns, becoming the only two-time Biletnikoff winner in history. His iconic game-winning touchdown catch against undefeated No. 1 Texas in 2008 remains one of the most memorable plays in Red Raider lore. Crabtree holds numerous Texas Tech and NCAA freshman records and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
“Returning to Texas Tech in this capacity feels like coming full circle,” said Michael Crabtree, his voice filled with genuine emotion during a press conference at the Sports Performance Center. “This place gave me everything – a chance to prove myself, to grow, and to become the player and person I am today. The opportunity to now contribute to the program from a coaching perspective, to work directly with these young men and help them unlock their full potential, is incredibly motivating. I’m excited to share the knowledge and experience I gained, both here and in the NFL. We’re going to build something special, and I’m ready to get to work.”
The newly created “Offensive Coach” position is a strategic addition by Head Coach Joey McGuire and his staff, designed to maximize Crabtree’s unique skillset. While Texas Tech already has an Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach (Mack Leftwich) and an Assistant Head Coach/Passing Game Coordinator/WRs Coach (Justin Johnson), Crabtree’s role is expected to provide an additional layer of specialized instruction and mentorship, particularly for the wide receiver corps. His deep understanding of route running, leverage, catching in traffic, and offensive schemes from a player’s perspective will be invaluable. This role emphasizes direct player development and serves as a significant recruiting advantage.
“Bringing Michael Crabtree back to Texas Tech is a game-changer for our program, plain and simple,” stated Head Coach Joey McGuire. “Michael is a legend, a College Football Hall of Famer, and someone who embodies everything we want our players to be: talented, dedicated, and a winner. His insights from playing at the highest levels of both college and professional football will be a tremendous asset to our entire offensive unit, and especially our wide receivers. This isn’t just about adding a great coach; it’s about adding a piece of Texas Tech history that our players can learn from, look up to, and be inspired by every single day. His impact on recruiting, mentorship, and on-field execution will be immeasurable.”
Crabtree’s 11-year NFL career, which included stints with the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, and Arizona Cardinals, further solidifies his credentials. He amassed 637 receptions for 7,499 yards and 54 touchdowns, showcasing his durability and consistent production at the highest level. This blend of collegiate dominance and professional longevity provides him with a unique perspective to impart to aspiring NFL players within the Red Raider program.
The symbolic weight of Crabtree’s return cannot be overstated. For a fanbase that reveres its past heroes, seeing one of their most iconic players back on the sidelines injects a renewed sense of pride and optimism. It reinforces the notion of a “Red Raider family” and sends a powerful message to future recruits: Texas Tech is a place where legends are made, and where they return to give back. In the competitive landscape of college football recruiting, having a figure like Michael Crabtree actively involved in coaching and mentoring can be a significant draw for top wide receiver prospects.
This move also highlights Coach McGuire’s strategic vision for building a program that honors its past while aggressively pursuing future success. By integrating alumni like Crabtree into key coaching roles, Texas Tech aims to create a culture where legacy players contribute directly to the development of current student-athletes, fostering a deep understanding of what it means to be a Red Raider.
As the Red Raiders gear up for the upcoming season, the addition of Michael Crabtree to the coaching staff promises to elevate their offensive capabilities and inspire a new era of wide receiver excellence. His presence will not only refine techniques and enhance strategic understanding but also serve as a living embodiment of the dreams and aspirations of every young player donning the scarlet and black. Michael Crabtree is home, and the Texas Tech offense is poised to flourish under the guidance of one of its all-time greats.
