One day after Texas Tech men's basketball head coach Tubby Smith left the program, the school announced that Chris Beard has been signed as the new head coach.

"We are proud and excited to hire a coach of Chris’ caliber," said Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt. "Our program achieved tremendous success this year and I see that as something Chris will build upon and take us to even further heights. We are thrilled to have him back home at Texas Tech."

Beard was named a front-runner for the job Thursday night. The new Texas Tech men's basketball head coach had spent 10 seasons at the school as an assistant coach and associate head coach.

Welcome back to Lubbock, Coach Beard.

More From News/Talk 95.1 & 790 KFYO