Texas Tech has confirmed that Texas Tech’s director of football operations, Tommy McVay, died at the age of 76. McVay had surgery earlier in the week, but post-surgery he suffered a fall at home and did not recover.
I don’t know how else to write this, but I’ve never met McVay, but I felt like I’ve known him for the better part of my blogging life. McVay was a constant on the sidelines for Spike Dykes, Mike Leach, Tommy Tuberville, Kliff Kingsbury, and Matt Wells. A 24 year run as a person who was involved with and represented Texas Tech.
Known as the silver fox, his sunglasses and white hair were a signature on Texas Tech’s sidelines.
But none of those things talk about what McVay meant to the program and the type of human being he was. There may be no better example of that than this all too short video clip from current wide receivers coach Joel Filani, former Texas Tech safety Jah’Shawn Johnson, and walk-on offensive lineman Colin Yang.
I’m so proud of you buddy.
Man…. Sad day for the Red Raiders. We lost our guy Tommy McVay today. He was always encouraging & showed love to everyone. You impacted so many of us from the time we met you as freshman until today! Love you my dude. You’ll be missed. #SilverFox #LegendsNeverDie #WreckEm 😢💔 pic.twitter.com/KX1oNE1mKk
— Joel Filani (@CoachFilaTTU) August 14, 2020
And from a star of the program to a walk-on, McVay touched you as a player and a human.
It’s really hard to believe this news. Rest In Peace Coach McVay. One of the best men I’ve ever met in my life! Very sad day for Texas Tech Football.
I’ll never forget the moments in that Locker room after beating OSU! Love ya Coach! Praying for your family❤️ pic.twitter.com/mse4N9pLHo— Jah’shawn Johnson (@SJohnson_7) August 14, 2020
Thank you for everything you’ve done for the Texas Tech program and my family. You were a true class act with the way you brought everyone up around you and represented the school. We all love you and Rest in Paradise Coach McVay. Prayers for the family. 🙏🏽💜 pic.twitter.com/GnEzAjnMKw
— Colin Yang (@Yang_Era) August 14, 2020
He cared for our players. He encouraged and always supported our coaches. Most of all, he loved being a Texas Tech Red Raider.
We love you and we will miss you, Coach McVay. pic.twitter.com/mrDzlz06eu
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) August 14, 2020
T-Mac will always be watching over the Red Raiders! We all will miss your infectious smile and energy everyday around the FTF. I’ll miss “How’s my coach” with a 👊🏼 every single morning. Love you my man & I’m all the better for having you in my life. #MrRedRaider #WeUsOur 👆🏼 pic.twitter.com/MjD1hCcAa8
— Matt Wells ŦŦ (@TTUCoachWells) August 14, 2020
Avalanche-Journal’s Don Williams eulogized McVay and this was the final quote from McVay from 2017.
“I’ve been very lucky, fortunate and it’s been a good ride. It really has been,” he said in 2017. “I’ve seen some good, and I’ve seen some bad, but I think the good has outweighed the bad. People have been super to me. (Athletic directors) Gerald Myers and Kirby (Hocutt), to keep me on 20 years and four coaches. I’m going to write a book when I finish. I’ve got some good stories to tell.”
I am saddened that McVay never got to write that book. I’d imagine that you could ask every player for their Tommy McVay story and the book would write itself.