FORT WORTH, Texas — What started out as an informal interview on Monday for Texas Tech interim head football coach Ruffin McNeill quickly turned into three separate formal interviews.
McNeill met for an hour each with Tech President Guy Bailey, Chancellor Kent Hance and athletic director Gerald Myers in his bid to become the next Red Raiders’ coach. Because the interview process was speedier than expected, Myers said there’s no need to bring McNeill back for another interview.
“It was pretty thorough today, and I would say it was more than informal,” Myers said. “He had a chance to talk about his program and his plan and what he wants to do, and he did a good job of that.
“They (Bailey and Hance) thought he did a good job in the interviews.”
McNeill, 51, hopes to succeed Mike Leach, who was fired Wednesday in the wake of the alleged mistreatment of backup inside receiver Adam James.
Myers said he has constructed a list of candidates to replace Leach, but couldn’t divulge that information, other than to say McNeill is on that list.
The other candidates who are expected to get a shot at replacing Leach include TCU coach Gary Patterson, Houston coach Kevin Sumlin, Arizona offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes and former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville.
Myers doesn’t have a timetable on when he wants a coach hired. But he’s aware that National Signing Day is Feb. 3, so he wants a coach in place “as soon as possible.”
“I can’t say we’re going to get it done this week,” Myers said. “That would be ideal if we could, but I can’t say that we’re going to.”
Myers said in making a final decision on the new coach, Tech will take into consideration the strong support McNeill has received from the players.
“We listen to (the players),” Myers said. “It won’t be the only factor, but it’ll have some bearing (on the final decision).”
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