New Details Emerge on Texas Tech Volleyball Coach Tony Graystone's Firing

On Sept. 13, 2026, Texas Tech dismissed head volleyball coach Tony Graystone, effective immediately.

At the time, no reason for the dismissal was provided.

A termination letter obtained through public records by Austin Jackson of the Daily Torredor revealed that Graystone was terminated for cause, meaning he is not owed a buyout or remaining contract payment.

"Coach Graystone," the letter dated Sept. 13, 2026, started. "As we discussed, as a result of your actions, Texas Tech is exercising its right under Section 5. A of your Employee Contract to terminate your employment for cause effective immediately. You are expected to return any and all university property (e.g., keys, cell phones, computers, tablets, etc) by the end of the day. You will be paid any accrued vacation hours you may have, but all other contractual obligations between Texas Tech and you shall cease immediately. "

Former Texas Tech volleyball head coach Tony Graystone was terminated for cause, according to a termination letter obtained through public records.

Graystone is not owed a buyout or remaining contract payout. pic.twitter.com/hN8Ut7AB0P
— Austin Jackson (@AustinJacksonDT) September 23, 2026

Graystone's contract was set to expire at the end of the year. According to the contract, he would earn $190,000 for the year and would be owed 90% of the remaining amount if he had been terminated without cause.

Graystone was hired in 2016 and led the Red Raiders to a 156-179 record. In 2017, he led Texas Tech to their first winning season since 2001. In 2021, the Red Raiders played in their first NCAA Tournament since 2001. Graystone earned his 100th win in 2022 against University of Texas - Rio Grand Valley.

Associate head coach Alisa Blair was named as interim head coach for the rest of the season.
The Red Raiders were 6-2 when Graystone was terminated and have gone 2-2 since.

Blair joined the Texas Tech volleyball staff in 2023 after spending the 2022 season as the head coach for Abilene Chrstian. Prior to Abilene Christian, Blair was the assistant coach and lead recruiter at Stephen F. Austin (2018-2021) and the assistant coach at University of Central Oklahoma (2017).

Official Statement from Texas Tech

"Texas Tech Director of Athletics Kirby Kocutt announced Sunday the immediate dismissal of head volleyball coach Tony Graystone.

"Hocutt has appointed associate head coach Alisa Blair as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2026 season. This is Blair's fourth season at Texas Tech as she arrived after serving one year as the head coach at Abilene Christian in 2022. Current assistant Mikayla Ell will serve as interim associate head coach for the remainder of the season as well.

"Blair will make her debut as interim head coach Tuesday when the Red Raiders host Tarleton State at United Supermarkets Arena. First serve is slated for 6 p.m. to wrap a four-game homestand for the Red Raiders."

According to school officials, Texas Tech has fired head volleyball coach Tony Graystone this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/V7Fb313XuV
— Ryan Hyatt (@RyanHyattMedia) September 13, 2026

This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Add us as a preferred source on Google