Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt received a two-year extension through the 2027 season that boosts his pay to $1.5 million, beginning Sept. 1.
The school announced the revised package on Monday and said Hocutt will receive 3 percent annual pay raises for the life of the contract.
Hocutt, who is in his eighth year of running the athletic department, becomes the highest-paid AD in the Big 12.
“Texas Tech University and Lubbock have become home for my family and there is not a greater place,” Hocutt said in a university news release. “I look forward to continuing our work to elevate Texas Tech Athletics to the top echelon of college athletics.”
Hocutt scored well by hiring Chris Beard as men’s basketball coach, as the school reached the NCAA Tournament title game in April before falling to Virginia. The baseball team has also thrived with three trips to the College World Series in the past five years.
Hocutt, who spent two years as chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee, has been unable to make Texas Tech a player in that sport despite the presence of now-Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes II.
The Red Raiders were just 35-40 under Kliff Kingsbury — a Hocutt hire — before firing him last November after six seasons.
But overall, Hocutt has been a hit in the eyes of his bosses.
“As a result of Kirby’s leadership and vision, our athletic programs have enjoyed unprecedented success,” university president Lawrence Schovanec said in a statement. “He has assembled an administrative staff and a group of coaches who reflect his priorities to develop our student-athletes, academically and athletically, while competing at the highest level. His success in fundraising has resulted in impressive improvements in facilities and resources.
“He is one of the most respected athletic directors in the nation, and we are fortunate that he will continue to lead our programs at Texas Tech.”
