March 5, 2008

LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech Football officially announced Wednesday several changes within its staff as the program prepares for spring workouts at the end of the month. The changes are effective immediately and involve seven positions.

"We are fortunate to have good people within our program, which made these coaches obvious choices," Texas Tech Head Coach Mike Leach said. "These coaches know our program, have been around it a long time and have represented Texas Tech well throughout their careers here.

"I also am proud to have former players join our staff," Leach added. "Antonio and Ty will be great additions to the program as both were model student-athletes during their careers."

Second-year coach Lincoln Riley will move from wide receivers to inside receivers, filling the spot vacated by the departure of Dana Holgorsen. Dennis Simmons, a charter member of Leach's staff, will assume wide receiver coaching duties, while Dave Emerick moves over from player personnel to take Simmons' former position of assistant athletic director and chief of staff. Former Red Raider player Clay McGuire, the offensive graduate assistant last season, is the new assistant coach overseeing the special teams.

Returning to the program is former Red Raider defensive back Antonio Huffman. Huffman slides into Emerick's former position as manager of player personnel. Former Tech center Brandon Jones moves from video graduate assistant to the offensive GA position, while recently graduated Red Raider Ty Linder assumes Jones' former position.

The Red Raiders begin spring workouts March 26 and conclude with the annual Red-Black Game on April 19 at Jones AT&T Stadium.