New Report Details Why Texas Tech Fired Volleyball Coach Tony Graystone

Former Texas Tech volleyball coach Tony Graystone was fired for cause following accusations of physical abuse, medical mistreatment and felony battery, according to a report from Austin Jackson of The Daily Toreador, the university's student-run publication.

Graystone was dismissed from the Red Raiders program on Sept. 13, 2026.

Ten days after Graystone's dismissal, Jackson obtained a letter through a public records request, revealing that Graystone was terminated for cause, meaning he was not owed his buyout or remaining contract payment.

Jackson posted the full complaint, which was sent to Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt six days before Graystone's firing, on Monday.

Names and emails of the complanent were redacted due to FERPA laws.

"We would like to meet this week to discuss the physical abuse and medical mistreatment of [Redacted], a member of the TTU Volleyball team. [Redacted] felony battery committed by Head Coach Tony Graystone. It is shocking.

"Due to [Redacted]'s fear of increased retaliation and intimidation by Coach Graystone, we are strongly requesting you not to speak to Coach Graystone or [Redacted] until after we meet.

"We will be traveling to Lubbock this Wednesday (9/9/26) and would like to meet with you in the afternoon or evening. For this initiall meeting, we have been advised that it only be the three of us.

"If you are unable Wednesday, we can meet Thursday or Friday as well."

The full complaint sent to Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt accusing former volleyball head coach Tony Graystone of physical abuse, medical mistreatment and felony battery, six days before his dismissal.

Names and emails are redacted due to FERPA laws. https://t.co/ZrIJFuDetH pic.twitter.com/OGbp5JLgfE
— Austin Jackson (@AustinJacksonDT) September 28, 2026

As the victim is currently protected by FERPA, until they come forward, we will not be releasing any additional personal information.

Graystone Revealed to be Terminated for Cause

"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

Official Statement from Texas Tech's AD Kirby Kocutt

"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

The Red Raiders are currently 8-6 and 0-2 in Big 12 play.

Add us as a preferred source on Google