One day after reports emerged that Miami may lose their athletic director to Texas Tech, the Hurricanes have indeed officially lost their AD to the Red Raiders.
In a press release issued by the school, Tech announced that they have hired Kirby Hocutt as the school’s 13th athletic director. The 38-year-old Hocutt will replace Gerald Myers, who announced his retirement last August. That retirement becomes effective May 31.
“We are pleased that Kirby Hocutt has accepted our offer to become the next athletics director at Texas Tech University,” said Texas Tech President Dr. Guy Bailey. “There are a few small details to be worked out but we have an agreement in principle. We are excited about the future of our athletics program and look forward to his leadership. This is a great day for Texas Tech Athletics.”
Bailey’s counterpart at Miami, on the other hand, was none too pleased that she lost her AD after less than three years on the job.
“I am deeply disappointed that after only two-and-a-half years of a very successful tenure as leader of our athletics programs, Kirby Hocutt has decided to accept the AD position at Texas Tech,” President Donna Shalala said in a statement. " We did everything we could to convince him to stay, but in the end it was an intensely personal decision. I thank Kirby for his integrity, leadership, and dedication to the University.”
Hocutt will be returning to his “roots” as he’s both a Texas native and has extensive ties to the Big 12 conference. He was a linebacker at Kansas State, and also spent six years as an administrator at Oklahoma.
“It is with great pleasure that I accept the position as Director of Athletics for Texas Tech,” Hocutt said. “I am excited about this tremendous opportunity and look forward to working with the University leadership, coaches, staff and student-athletes as we focus on advancing the department of intercollegiate athletics. As a former student-athlete and administrator, I am very familiar with the Big 12 Conference and look forward to returning to my home state of Texas.”
Miami will commence a nationwide immediately for Hocutt’s successor.
Per Tech’s release, details of a formal news conference will be announced at a later time.