Texas Tech Makes Stunning Volleyball Coaching Change After Just 8 Games

Texas Tech's head volleyball coach has been dismissed from the program, effective immediately. Associate head coach Alisa Blair will step up as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Texas Tech's head volleyball coach Tony Graystone stands on the sidelines against Kansas State in a Big 12 volleyball match, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, at the United Supermarkets Arena. 0017 20220928 Texastech Kansasstate Volleyball Ar 0261 Jpg / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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

A reason for the dismissal was not provided.

This shocking change comes just eight games into the 2026 season with the Red Raiders having a 6-2 record.

Wyoming handed Texas Tech its first loss of the season in two sets, while Sacramento State swept them earlier in September.

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

In 2025, the Red Raiders had a 10-20 losing record with only two conference wins. One was against Arizona and one against UCF.

Graystone served as head coach of the Texas Tech volleyball team for 11 seasons, racking up 140 wins.

In the interim, associate head coach Alisa Blair has been appointed to head this team as it looks ahead to its next game against Tarleton State University at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

Before Texas Tech, Blair served as head coach for Abilene Christian University. Assistant Mikayla Ell will step into the role as interim associate head coach for the remainder of the season.

Graystone's deal, which was originally signed in March 2022, was set to expire at the end of this year. At the time of his signing, the Red Raiders had just competed in the 2021 NCAA volleyball tournament, and there were high hopes from fans that this team would have an upward trajectory rather than the alternative.

The contract stated that Graystone would earn $190,000 for the year and that Texas Tech owed him 90 percent of the remaining amount if the contract was terminated without cause.

Texas Tech head coach Tony Graystone talks to his players during a Big 12 Conference volleyball match, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at United Supermarkets Arena. / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Expectations were low before the season even began.

In the 2026 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason Poll, the Red Raiders were ranked the lowest, 15th, with just 19 points. The second-lowest team, Houston, received 35 points.

Additionally, not a single Texas Tech player was selected for the 2026 Big 12 Volleyball Preseason Team.

Official Statement From Texas Tech

"Texas Tech Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt 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."