former Texas Tech football standout and two-time Biletnikoff Award winner Michael Crabtree has officially accepted a newly created coaching position within the Texas Tech University football program
Lubbock, TX – June 17, 2025 – In a move that has ignited immense excitement across Raiderland, former Texas Tech football standout and two-time Biletnikoff Award winner Michael Crabtree has officially accepted a newly created coaching position within the Texas Tech University football program. Crabtree, widely revered as the greatest wide receiver in Texas Tech history, will serve as an Offensive Coach, a role designed to directly leverage his unparalleled expertise in the passing game and cultivate the next generation of Red Raider offensive stars.
The announcement marks a triumphant return home for Crabtree, whose electrifying two-year career in Lubbock (2007-2008) transformed the college football landscape. As a redshirt freshman in 2007, he burst onto the scene with an NCAA-record 134 receptions for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns, earning his first Biletnikoff Award – the first freshman ever to do so. He followed that up with another stellar season in 2008, recording 97 receptions for 1,165 yards and 19 touchdowns, becoming the only two-time Biletnikoff winner in history. His iconic game-winning touchdown catch against undefeated No. 1 Texas in 2008 remains one of the most memorable plays in Red Raider lore. Crabtree holds numerous Texas Tech and NCAA freshman records and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
“Returning to Texas Tech in this capacity feels like coming full circle,” said Michael Crabtree, his voice filled with genuine emotion during a press conference at the Sports Performance Center. “This place gave me everything – a chance to prove myself, to grow, and to become the player and person I am today. The opportunity to now contribute to the program from a coaching perspective, to work directly with these young men and help them unlock their full potential, is incredibly motivating. I’m excited to share the knowledge and experience I gained, both here and in the NFL. We’re going to build something special, and I’m ready to get to work.”
The newly created “Offensive Coach” position is a strategic addition by Head Coach Joey McGuire and his staff, designed to maximize Crabtree’s unique skillset. While Texas Tech already has an Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach (Mack Leftwich) and an Assistant Head Coach/Passing Game Coordinator/WRs Coach (Justin Johnson), Crabtree’s role is expected to provide an additional layer of specialized instruction and mentorship, particularly for the wide receiver corps. His deep understanding of route running, leverage, catching in traffic, and offensive schemes from a player’s perspective will be invaluable. This role emphasizes direct player development and serves as a significant recruiting advantage.