There were many reasons speculated as to why Chris Beard chose to leave Texas Tech for his alma mater Texas. Just hours after the news surfaced, it became clear of what was going on behind closed doors. It sounds like Texas Tech never had a chance to keep him in Lubbock.
Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt held a press conference on Thursday and provided a few statements that offered insight on what happened with the sudden fallout involving Beard.
Here’s a few key moments from the press conference.
Texas Tech AD Kirby Hocutt said they had discussed a "lifetime, rolling contract" with Chris Beard in the past.
Red Raiders did not have a chance to counter Texas' offer, according to Hocutt.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 1, 2021
Texas Tech AD Kirby Hocutt said “we were not given an opportunity to make a counter offer” to Chris Beard. Hocutt said Beard told him it was not a decision made for financial reasons.
— Sam Khan Jr. 😷 (@skhanjr) April 1, 2021
Hocutt, noticeably upset, added on to it with some fiery statements in regards to the future. It’s sure to be an emotional contest the next time these two teams face each other.
Texas Tech AD Kirby Hocutt was asked if he was frustrated at all with how things ended with Chris Beard….
"Frustration would be a kind word to summarize it."
😬😬😬 pic.twitter.com/CqM55IQdPc
— Ben Peck #WashingMyHands (@TheBenPeck) April 1, 2021
Texas Tech AD Kirby Hocutt: There's no doubt in my mind that when we go to Austin, the Red Raider Nation will occupy a majority of their arena just as we have in the past." 😳
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/eZlBE1nAcZ
— Ben Peck #WashingMyHands (@TheBenPeck) April 1, 2021
Hocutt is embodying how Texas Tech fans are feeling right now. There were many factors that went into Beard’s decision, but money doesn’t appear to be the major factor. We’ll see if that rings true once the details of Beard’s contract are revealed.