Texas Tech must decide Matt Wells’ fate for recruiting sake

Texas Tech’s indecision on Matt Wells’ future could cost it in recruiting.

Silence speaks volumes, doesn’t it? That is unfortunately the case for Texas Tech right now, as rumors continue to swirl about whether head football coach Matt Wells is going to continue to lead the program. Fans have waited nearly a week for some word from the athletic department, but we’ve heard nothing but crickets.

This indecision couldn’t come at a worse time considering the early signing period begins on Dec. 16. Whatever decision AD Kirby Hocutt makes could have some serious effects on the school’s recruiting class, but no decision at all would be even worse. Recruits aren’t stupid; if they see a coach is on the hot seat and the school isn’t giving him a strong endorsement, they know the writing is on the wall.

For what it’s worth, I’ve been of the opinion that Wells should return as long as he revamps his offensive coaching staff. If some of the recent rumors are to be believed, though, Wells could be leaving Hocutt no choice but to fire him if he continues to refuse to make any staff changes. This season was the worst offensive performance by the Red Raiders in 20 years, so someone has to pay. An 8-14 record in two years won’t buy Wells a whole lot of breathing room.

The State of Recruiting

Texas Tech’s upcoming recruiting class is currently ranked 81st nationally by rivals.com, in a tie with the likes of New Mexico, Temple, and Louisiana-Monroe (which just fired its coach). That means the Red Raiders are ranked ninth out of the 10 teams in the Big 12, ahead of only TCU. To put it mildly, that’s flat out embarrassing. Even Kliff Kingsbury did better than that.

The players they’re getting are solid. In terms of average player ranking, Texas Tech is ranked fourth in the Big 12. The overall ranking is brought down by the fact that Wells’ staff only has verbal commitments from 11 players, which is several players fewer than most other teams. With this coaching staff on the ropes, it’s no surprise that recruits might want to play for a coach with more job security.

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Four-star quarterback Behren Morton from Eastland is the gem of the class, but there’s help for the offensive and defensive lines, a couple of really tall tight ends, a 6’5″ receiver and a four-star running back. Unfortunately there are no linebackers, cornerbacks or safeties in this class as of now, which is highly concerning.

Still, Texas Tech needs to make a decision and make it fast. If Hocutt intends to stick with Wells, he needs to say so publicly and emphatically. That would allow Wells to at least keep the recruits he has, even if most observers think a coaching change is inevitable by the end of next year. After another difficult year when the offense floundered, you need the guys who’ve already committed, especially Morton.

If Hocutt feels he has to move on, then the decision has to be made now. Not only that, but the coaching search has to be quick. Firing Wells might mean some of these current commitments step back and wait until National Signing Day in February to make a final decision, but that’s fine. Get the new coach in and let him try and convince these guys to come to Lubbock anyway.

Wells’ seat getting hot means this recruiting class is probably going to be a little slim anyway, but delaying a decision any longer is not going to help matters. At this point, I’m fine either way, as long as Art Briles isn’t the replacement. Just make a decision and let’s get to work.  Otherwise, this football program could be dealt a serious setback.