Introduction:
When it comes to college basketball, some coaches truly stand out—and Grant McCasland is one of them. Known for his passion, leadership, and winning attitude, Grant McCasland has made a big name for himself in the world of college sports. From his early days as a player to becoming the head coach at Texas Tech, his journey is full of hard work and success. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at who Grant McCasland is, his coaching career, and why so many people are talking about him.
Who Is Grant McCasland?
Grant McCasland is an American college basketball coach renowned for his leadership and success across various collegiate levels. As of 2025, he serves as the head men’s basketball coach at Texas Tech University, where he has achieved significant milestones in a relatively short tenure.
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Early Life and Education
Born on October 14, 1976, in Irving, Texas, Grant McCasland played college basketball at Baylor University from 1995 to 1999, primarily as a point guard. He earned a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship and management from Baylor in 1999 and later obtained a master’s degree from Texas Tech University in 2001.
Achievements at Texas Tech
In 2023, McCasland returned to Texas Tech as the head coach. Under his leadership, the Red Raiders achieved a 51–20 record over two seasons, the best start for a head coach in the program’s history. The 2024–25 season saw the team reach the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament and maintain a six-week Top 10 AP ranking streak. Recognizing his impact, Texas Tech extended his contract through the 2030–31 season, with a deal valued at $31.5 million.
Grant McCasland’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Grant McCasland was born on October 14, 1976, in Irving, Texas. From a young age, he showed a strong passion for basketball, which later shaped his future. He attended Baylor University, where he played college basketball as a point guard from 1995 to 1999. His time as a player helped him understand the game deeply and prepared him for a career in coaching.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship and management from Baylor, he continued his education by obtaining a master’s degree from Texas Tech University in 2001.
His coaching journey began right after college. He took on the role of Director of Basketball Operations at Texas Tech (1999–2001), marking the official start of his career on the sidelines. From there, Grant McCasland served as an assistant coach at Northeastern Junior College and Midland College, steadily working his way up in the coaching world.
These early experiences laid a strong foundation for Grant McCasland’s successful coaching career, giving him valuable insight into team management, strategy, and player development.
Grant McCasland’s Coaching Journey
Grant McCasland’s coaching journey is a story of dedication, growth, and consistent success across all levels of college basketball.
He began his coaching path as the Director of Basketball Operations at Texas Tech (1999–2001), where he gained early experience managing team logistics and learning the behind-the-scenes of a college basketball program. From there, he moved into assistant coaching roles at Northeastern Junior College and Midland College, quickly proving his ability to motivate and guide players.
In 2004, McCasland was promoted to head coach at Midland College, where he led the team to impressive results, including the 2007 NJCAA National Championship. This was one of his first major achievements and highlighted his talent for building winning teams.
From 2009 to 2011, he coached at Midwestern State University, where he guided the team to two NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearances. His success there caught attention and led to an assistant coaching role at Baylor University (2011–2016), his alma mater. During this time, the Baylor Bears made several deep NCAA Tournament runs.
In 2016, Grant McCasland got his first NCAA Division I head coaching job at Arkansas State, where he led the team to a 20–12 record in just one season.
The following year, he became the head coach at North Texas. This would become one of the most defining parts of his coaching career. He turned the Mean Green into a top mid-major program, winning the 2018 CBI Championship and the 2023 NIT Championship, and making multiple postseason appearances.
In 2023, Grant McCasland returned to Texas Tech—this time as head coach. He has continued his pattern of success, leading the Red Raiders to strong finishes and gaining national recognition for his coaching style.
Grant McCasland’s Success at North Texas
Grant McCasland’s time at North Texas was a turning point in his coaching career. When he joined the program in 2017, the Mean Green were struggling to find consistency. But under McCasland’s leadership, the team quickly transformed into one of the top mid-major programs in the country.
In his very first season, Grant McCasland led North Texas to the 2018 College Basketball Invitational (CBI) championship, showing immediate improvement and setting the tone for the years ahead. He focused on building a strong defensive team, and that identity became the foundation of their success.
One of his biggest achievements came in 2023, when North Texas won the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). This was a huge milestone for the program and helped the Mean Green gain national attention. His teams were known for their discipline, smart play, and especially their ability to shut down opponents—North Texas led the nation in scoring defense in both 2022 and 2023.
During his six seasons at North Texas, Grant McCasland built a winning culture, posted a strong win-loss record, and turned the program into a serious contender in postseason play. His success there played a major role in him being hired as the head coach at Texas Tech.
Grant McCasland Joins Texas Tech
In March 2023, after a highly successful run at North Texas, Grant McCasland was hired as the head coach of the Texas Tech men’s basketball team. This marked a return to familiar territory—McCasland had previously worked at Texas Tech as Director of Basketball Operations early in his career.
His hiring was seen as a strong move by the Red Raiders, who were looking to rebuild and compete at the highest level of college basketball. Known for his defensive mindset and strong leadership, Grant McCasland was seen as the perfect fit to bring discipline, structure, and winning habits to the Texas Tech program.
McCasland made an immediate impact. In just his first two seasons, he led the Red Raiders to a 51–20 record, the best start by any head coach in the school’s history. In the 2024–25 season, he guided Texas Tech to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament and helped the team earn a spot in the Top 10 of the AP rankings for six straight weeks.
Because of his success, Grant McCasland signed a major contract extension through the 2030–31 season, with a deal worth $31.5 million. The extension shows Texas Tech’s confidence in his leadership and their belief that he can turn the program into a consistent national contender.
Grant McCasland’s Coaching Style and Philosophy
Grant McCasland’s coaching style is built on three key principles: defense, discipline, and team unity. He is widely respected for turning his teams into elite defensive units that consistently rank among the best in the nation.
At the heart of Grant McCasland’s philosophy is a defense-first approach. His teams are known for holding opponents to low scores, forcing tough shots, and staying locked in for the full 40 minutes. During his time at North Texas, his team led the NCAA in scoring defense for two straight years—proof of how well his defensive system works.
But it’s not just about defense. Grant McCasland emphasizes smart, efficient offense, with a focus on making the right play rather than flashy moves. He values unselfishness, ball control, and high-percentage shots. His players are well-prepared, fundamentally sound, and committed to playing for each other.
Another key part of his coaching style is player development. Grant McCasland believes in helping his athletes grow both on and off the court. He builds strong relationships with his players and creates a team culture based on trust, accountability, and hard work.
This mix of discipline, defense, and leadership has made Grant McCasland one of the most respected coaches in college basketball today.
Grant McCasland’s Impact on Players
Grant McCasland is more than just a successful coach—he’s a mentor who truly impacts the lives of his players. Known for building strong personal relationships with his team, McCasland focuses on developing character, confidence, and leadership in every athlete he coaches.
Players often describe Grant McCasland as someone who believes in them, both on and off the court. He takes the time to understand their goals, supports them through challenges, and pushes them to be the best version of themselves. His coaching style encourages accountability, discipline, and team-first attitudes, which help players grow not just as athletes, but as individuals.
Many of McCasland’s former players have gone on to play professionally or enter coaching themselves—proof of his influence. But even those who don’t continue in basketball leave his program with valuable life skills like resilience, leadership, and a strong work ethic.
By creating a culture of trust and respect, Grant McCasland ensures that every player feels valued and motivated to succeed. His impact goes beyond wins and losses—he builds teams that function like families and creates lasting change in the lives of the young men he coaches.
Grant McCasland’s Future in College Basketball
Grant McCasland has rapidly become one of the most respected coaches in college basketball. His impressive track record and leadership at Texas Tech have set high expectations for the future.
In just two seasons with the Red Raiders, McCasland has achieved a 51–20 record, the best start for any head coach in the program’s history. The 2024–25 season was particularly notable, with the team finishing 28–9 and reaching the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament .
Recognizing his contributions, Texas Tech extended McCasland’s contract through the 2030–31 season, with a deal valued at $31.5 million. His salary will increase annually, starting at $5 million next season and reaching $5.5 million by the end of the contract .
McCasland’s commitment to Texas Tech is evident. He has expressed a deep connection to the program and the community, stating, “We’re at the right place and we’ve got a roster that I believe in and a place that I feel like we can win a national championship”
Beyond his coaching duties at Texas Tech, McCasland is also contributing to the broader basketball community. He is set to serve as an assistant coach for the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team, reflecting his dedication to developing young talent .
With his strategic acumen, player-focused philosophy, and unwavering commitment, Grant McCasland is poised to continue making significant impacts in college basketball for years to come.
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Common FAQs About Grant McCasland
Who is Grant McCasland?
Grant McCasland is a college basketball coach, currently the head coach of Texas Tech’s men’s basketball team. He’s known for his strong defense and winning teams.
Where did Grant McCasland start his coaching career?
He started as Director of Basketball Operations at Texas Tech and then coached at junior colleges before moving up to college head coaching jobs.
What are some of Grant McCasland’s biggest coaching achievements?
He won the NJCAA National Championship at Midland College, the CBI Championship in 2018, and the NIT Championship in 2023 with North Texas.
When did Grant McCasland become head coach at Texas Tech?
He joined Texas Tech as head coach in March 2023.
What is Grant McCasland’s coaching style?
He focuses on strong defense, smart offense, teamwork, and developing players both on and off the court.
How has Grant McCasland impacted his players?
He mentors players to grow in confidence, leadership, and work ethic. Many players say he helped them improve both in basketball and life.
What is expected from Grant McCasland’s future?
With a new contract through 2031 and great early success, he is expected to keep building Texas Tech into a top college basketball program.
Has Grant McCasland worked with any national teams?
Yes, he is set to be an assistant coach for the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team.
Conclusion
Grant McCasland is a talented and hardworking basketball coach who has quickly made a name for himself. From his early success at North Texas to leading Texas Tech with great results, he shows strong leadership and a focus on defense and teamwork. With his passion and skills, Grant McCasland is set to have a bright future in college basketball. Fans and players alike look forward to seeing how far he can take his teams.
Bonus Points
- Grant McCasland won a national championship as a coach twice—once at the junior college level and once with North Texas.
- He is known for turning struggling teams into winners quickly.
- McCasland values building strong relationships with his players off the court.
- He played college basketball himself before becoming a coach.
- His teams are famous for their tough defense and smart, disciplined play.
- McCasland’s contract with Texas Tech runs through 2031, showing the school’s long-term trust in him.
- He has experience coaching in both junior college and Division I basketball, giving him a broad perspective.
- Besides college coaching, he is involved in coaching USA Basketball’s junior national team.
- McCasland is focused on helping players grow not just as athletes but as people.
- Fans appreciate his ability to create exciting and competitive basketball teams.
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