WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT KIRBY HOCUTT Kansas State Head Football Coach Bill Snyder "Kirby was a very fine player for us and is one of those young guys that you love to death. He is a dear friend who was a great teammate, a tremendous student and an excellent person who comes from a great family. I am excited about him being closer to his roots and the Big 12 Conference and I think he will be absolutely terrific for Texas Tech University." Sherman ISD (Sherman, Texas) Superintendent Al Hambrick "On behalf of the Sherman Independent School District, I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Kirby Hocutt on his appointment as the new Athletic Director at Texas Tech University. I had the privilege of serving as Kirby's high school math teacher. He was a standout student-athlete in the Sherman ISD. I believe that his character, tremendous work ethic and energy, as well as his experience in NCAA Division I athletic administration will allow him to be a great asset to the Texas Tech staff. Texas Tech University Athletics is in good hands under Mr. Hocutt's leadership." Ohio University Head Football Coach Frank Solich "Texas Tech made an excellent addition with the announcement of Kirby (Hocutt) as Athletic Director. In his short time at Ohio, our program attained goals it hadn't reached in decades and he helped to provide a foundation for our success today. His quick rise to the top of his profession can be largely attributed to his incredible work ethic and his ability to relate to coaches.” Oklahoma Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione "Kirby Hocutt's impressive career in college athletics continues on his strong technical skills and experience. He truly understands the importance of effective leadership and the role each stakeholder group plays in the pursuit of excellence. His ability to listen, assess, visualize and act decisively allows him to develop a strategic, well-defined course for the department he leads and the university he represents. Most importantly, Kirby is committed to his family and concerned about those around him. He has always understood that relationships take a priority over everything else. His decisions will reflect what is in the best interest of all involved. Kirby is an outstanding addition to the Big 12 Conference and I am anxious to work with him again." Oklahoma Head Women's Basketball Coach Sherri Coale "Kirby Hocutt is a rapidly rising star in the world of collegiate athletics. At the risk of sounding trite, he just gets it. I don't know a better way of describing him. The coaches and the athletes at Texas Tech will absolutely love following his lead." Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby “Kirby has distinguished himself as a college football player and top administrator. His background is well-suited for the rigors of the College Football Playoff Committee. He is the perfect fit. Kirby’s got a terrific background in football, as a player and administrator as he’s led the football recruiting subcommittee and has done a lot for the sport. I think he’ll do a terrific job. I appreciate his willingness to serve.” College Football Playoff Executive Director Bill Hancock “Kirby will fit right in on the College Football Playoff Committee because he is a thoughtful and hard-working person of the highest integrity.” Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis "Kirby has done much to take our department of athletics to a higher level, and we are very appreciative for all of the accomplishments we have seen in our department during his tenure. It's very unfortunate that we cannot have his leadership in our department for a longer period of time. We understand, however, that is the risk we run when hiring good people.” Oklahoma Head Football Coach Bob Stoops "I have known Kirby dating back to the days when I coached him at Kansas State. He has always impressed me with his extraordinary work ethic and dedication. I saw a continuation of those traits during his time as an administrator here at Oklahoma. Kirby understands what it takes to be successful, is strong in his personal relationships and efficient in getting the job done.” Toledo Director of Athletics Michael O'Brien "Kirby is one of the top administrators in the country. Kirby's work ethic, attention to detail and the recognition of the department's needs are outstanding. His decisions are clearly made to better the student-athlete experience." Executive Director NCAA Division IA Athletic Directors Association Dutch Baughman "Kirby is a graduate of the Division IA Athletic Directors' Institute, and it has been a pleasure to watch how hard he has worked to prepare himself for success. He has been mentored very well, and he has an exceptionally strong personal character.” Arkansas Athletics Director Jeff Long "Kirby's experience as a Division I student-athlete, as a member of the NCAA staff and as an athletic administrator on campus have prepared him extremely well to meet the challenges faced by today's director of athletics. His high level of personal and professional integrity coupled with his warm and engaging style make him well-suited to work with the numerous stakeholders." Former Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe “Kirby Hocutt’s deep roots in the Big 12 provide him a tremendous framework for success at Texas Tech. I salute Texas Tech on finding such an exceptional athletic director.” WHAT THEY’VE WRITTEN AND SAID ABOUT KIRBY HOCUTT At 43 years old, Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt will be the rookie in the room…Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby couldn’t have made a better, more obvious nomination. Hocutt has the administrative background. He’s got the football resume—heck, he even led K-State in tackles as a linebacker in 1993. And, equally if not more important, he has respect and a fresh perspective…Hocutt has a background that qualifies him to take his seat at the table—and odds are the Texas native can explain to the rest of the group what fixin’ means, too. -Heather Dinich, ESPN.com, February 9, 2015 With four major hires in the past 12 months, Kirby Hocutt has made his mark at Texas Tech…In a 12-month span, circumstances have allowed Hocutt to replace four key coaching positions— football, baseball and men’s and women’s basketball. Regardless of what happens now, Hocutt’s stamp on the athletic department is undeniable after coming aboard in February 2011. -Chuck Carlton, Dallas Morning News, June 17, 2013 Kirby Hocutt normally takes his family to church on Sunday mornings in the fall, then spends his afternoon watching the Dallas Cowboys or one of his kids’ sporting events. Next football season, more work time will cut into his Sunday afternoon free time. -Don Williams, Lubbock Avalanche Journal, February 9, 2015 HOCUTT’S PHILOSOPHY ON HIRING COACHES “You want individuals and leaders who share your values, who share your drive to be successful, individuals that you can trust and individuals that you would entrust your children to. If your son or daughter was considering a school, you would want your child to come and play for that coach.” -Kirby Hocutt HOCUTT AFTER ACCEPTING THE A.D. POSITION AT TEXAS TECH “I am excited about this 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.” -Kirby Hocutt .