Texas Tech has hired Houston defensive coordinator Shiel Wood to the same position, per a report from Matt Zenitz of 247Sports. Zach Barnett at FootballScoop was first to report Wood as a strong candidate.

Despite the 4–8 record this season, Wood coordinated a Cougar defense that ranked among the Big 12's best, finishing second in the conference in total defense and third in passing defense. He helped develop safety AJ Haulcy into the conference's leader in interceptions (5), and cornerback Jeremiah Wilson wasn't far behind with four. Before his lone season at Houston, Wood was Willie Fritz's defensive coordinator at Tulane for the 2023 season, where his defense led the American Athletic Conference with 17 interceptions and 25 turnovers forced.

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire hopes Wood's experience in the secondary can improve upon the Red Raiders finishing second to last in the nation in passing yards allowed.The Red Raiders have finished in the triple digits nationally in passing yards allowed in two of his first three years. McGuire relieved defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter and DBs coach Marcel Yates of their duties after Texas Tech ranked 15th in the Big 12 in both scoring and total defense.