One of Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire’s standout qualities is his ability to connect with people, and his bond with Colorado head coach Deion Sanders is a testament to this skill. Their mutual admiration became evident during Big 12 Media Days over the summer, and with their teams set to face off this weekend, their close friendship is on display once again.
“I’m excited to see a good friend, Deion,” McGuire shared Monday. “I’ve got a lot of ties, like I’ve said before—I had the chance to coach his oldest son, ‘Bucky’ (Deion Jr.), who handles all his social media and does a lot for the university. Bucky was a remarkable player, just like his brothers, and I’m thrilled to see him again. Deion has done an exceptional job this year. People questioned if he could turn the program around, and he has—they’re bowl-eligible, 4-1 in the conference, and we’re at 4-2. It’s a huge game.”
McGuire’s unique connection with Sanders adds credibility to his take on Colorado’s head coach. He also shared an experience that might challenge some people’s views of Sanders.
“The thing that always impressed me about Deion was what kind of father he was,” McGuire explained. “As a high school coach, I dealt with many helicopter parents, but he was the opposite. We had a game against DeSoto, a sell-out with 12,000 fans. I asked if he needed a seat, and he told me, ‘Coach, I’ll sit in the end-zone extras. Don’t worry about me.’ That’s just who he is.”
Sanders reciprocated these warm sentiments when speaking with the media, expressing admiration for McGuire’s legacy.
“Tremendous friend,” Sanders said. “I’ve loved him since his days at Cedar Hill. Joey led a diverse team to state titles, was deeply respected, and helped countless players reach college. I got to know him when my son Bucky played for him. Joey’s the same now—consistent, honest, and someone I can lean on to help me navigate this college scene.”
Sanders continued, emphasizing the uniqueness of their connection: “Joey’s real. He doesn’t mince words, always keeps it real, and I count him as a true friend. I’ll definitely look for him pregame to embrace him. It’s rare for me to do that, but I’ve respected him for a long time.”
Though Sanders has occasionally clashed with others, his relationship with McGuire is all admiration. Despite their differences, their respect for each other means fans shouldn’t expect any drama on the sidelines this weekend.
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