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Longtime Texas Tech football staff member Tommy McVay passed away on Thursday, August 13th, 2020. He was 76 years old.

While newer Texas Tech football fans probably only know McVay as the cool old guy wearing sunglasses on the sidelines, hardcore fans know just how far back his history with the team goes.

McVay began with the team in the Spike Dykes era as director of football operations, and was there in 2019 for newest head coach Matt Wells' first season. According to Texas Tech, this season would have been McVay's 24th with the team.

"We are saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of our dear friend, Tommy McVay," said Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt in a statement to the press. "In my 10 years now at Texas Tech, I never met anyone that didn't like Coach McVay. He was an important part of our athletics department for over two decades, and I join his friends, family and countless former players and coaches who mourn his passing."

McVay made a big impact on Wells over a short amount of time. He was one of the first people Wells met during his first day in Lubbock.

"I will always remember and be forever thankful for the encouragement he provided me and the role he played on our staff in our short time together. The sport of college football needs more Tommy McVays in it," said Wells.

Texas Tech Football memorialized McVay with a powerful video tribute on Twitter featuring several football players discussing his passion for the game, dedication to the program and, of course, inimitable sense of fashion.

"Can't say enough great things about him," said defensive lineman Eli Howard. "He's always been really helpful throughout any kind of experience that we've had to go through. And you always see him on the field, and he's always fired up. He's a guy that brings the juice as well."

"On the sidelines, it looks like Ric Flair," said wide receiver KeSean Carter.

"He's got the gray hair, it's gonna be slicked back with the nice jacket on, and I promise you he's gonna be screaming," added defensive back Adrian Frye.

An endowment in McVay's name has been set up by Texas Tech University.

Tommy McVay is survived by his wife, Chele, daughters Kelly and Heather, and several grandchildren.

Rest in peace, Tommy.

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