Another Coach Turns Down the SEC to Stay at Little Ol' Texas Tech

Texas Tech is often overlooked in the landscape of college athletics in the Big 12, the state of Texas and beyond. But for the 16th time in the last several years, a Texas Tech coach has declined a "better" program by staying at Texas Tech.

Former Red Raiders basketball head coach Chris Beard going back to his alma mater notwithstanding, Texas Tech has gotten really good at keeping Red Raiders athletic leaders wearing scarlet and black. Texas Tech baseball in particular comes to mind, with Tim Tadlock saying 'no' to both Texas and Texas A&M in the past. Now, J-Bob Thomas has turned down a standing offer at LSU to take over the same role he has currently at Texas Tech.

KAMC's David Collier confirmed this news this morning.

Thomas to LSU news had been circulating heavily in the last 48 hours, with former Arizona coach Jay Johnson trying to recruit the elite recruiting coordinator to come to LSU to be a part of his brand new staff. Thomas refused the SEC for the second time in the last three seasons after also previously turning down Texas A&M.

If you aren't familiar with Thomas' work, then you haven't been paying attention. Thomas has been an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator with the Texas Tech program since June 2012.

Since that year, Texas Tech's recruiting has been really good. Like...really, really good.

Obviously that's translated to success on the field, but of the recruits signed by Thomas in his Texas Tech tenure, nearly 50 have been selected in the Major League Baseball First-Year Players Draft, including 28 taken in the top-15 rounds. That includes Josh Jung, who's now in the Texas Rangers organization as their number one overall prospect, Gabe Holt who was the number one recruit out of Georgia and countless others who have committed to Thomas and the Red Raiders.

The strength of the baseball program will only improve now that the two pillars, Tadlock and Thomas, have reiterated how much they want to be here by turning down offers elsewhere to continue to be Red Raiders.

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Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.