Former Tech basketball coach thanks fans

Former Texas Tech basketball coach Chris Beard released a statement Monday thanking Red Raiders fans for their “unwavering support throughout the years” and calling himself “forever grateful” for his time spent on the Tech staff.

Beard, the Red Raiders’ coach the past five years, resigned last week to become head coach at Texas, his alma mater. In a note posted on his Twitter account, Beard said he wanted to wait a few days to gather his thoughts and express appreciation.

“My time at Texas Tech has been more than I could have ever dreamed of,” he said. “I can unquestionably tell you that I have put all my heart and energy into the basketball program from the first day I arrived on campus as an assistant coach to the past five years having the honor to be your Head Coach. Our program reached remarkable heights that I always knew were possible but wouldn’t have come to fruition without every one of you buying into our process.”

Tech was 112-55 under Beard, making runs in the NCAA Tournament to the Elite Eight in 2018 and to the national-championship game in 2019. The Red Raiders tied for the Big 12 championship in 2019, tied for second in 2018 and were part of a four-way tie for third in 2020.

Beard’s Tech teams won 18 games in each of the three seasons they didn’t make long NCAA Tournament runs.

Beard also was a Tech assistant from 2001 through 2011.

In his note, Beard called it an “incredible journey” and said attempting to thank all involved was a “daunting task.” He expressed gratitude to his players and his players’ families as “the foundation of everything that we were able to achieve.”

“Our program was supported by the Texas Tech administration who worked every day with me to develop our vision into a reality,” Beard said. “To Dusty Womble, words cannot express my extreme gratitude to you. You are a man I’ve learned so much from about life and hold our friendship as sacred as anything I have in my life.”

Womble is a member of the Texas Tech System Board of Regents. In November 2017, he made the lead financial gift of $10 million for the new Womble Basketball Center, a facility that houses two practice courts and coaches’ offices, among other amenities.

“We built something incredibly special in Lubbock,” Beard said, “with the backing and passion of the B.O.N.E group, Air Raiders, all Tech students, alumni and everyone in the Lubbock and West Texas community. We felt the love on the court every game and from the community every day.

“I wish Red Raider Nation nothing but the best moving forward. Thank you for your unwavering support throughout the years. I am forever grateful.”

Beard took over at Texas from Shaka Smart, who resigned days after the Longhorns’ upset loss to Abilene Christian University in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Smart took the job at Marquette, located in his home state of Wisconsin.