Grant McCasland Wife
Meet Grant McCasland Wife Cece McCasland! Grant McCasland the current head coach for the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Texas Tech University. Coach McCasland replaced Mark Adams, who served as head coach from 2021 to 2023.
Cece McCasland
Cece McCasland, born Cece Dillon, is a former soccer player at Texas Tech. She met her husband, Grant McCasland, at a church event when they were growing up. They were in the same grade, but it was through a Bible study that they became friends.
They were seniors in high school and shade their lkimo to go to prom albeit with different dates.
“We both didn’t date a lot. I always wanted to date to marry. If I was going to date somebody, they’d have to have the qualities of a husband I wanted. And he was similar,” Cece said.
They went their separate ways in college, Cece attended Texas Tech and Grant entered Baylor. She walked onto the soccer team in her second year, making some of her best memories, including beating Texas and Texas A&M in the same weekend.
Meanwhile, Grant was figuring out his career path at Baylor, where he studied entrepreneurship. At one point, he even considered starting a laundry business with his college friend, Chip Gaines—who later became famous for the HGTV show Fixer Upper. However, coaching ultimately won his heart.
During her college years, Cece Dillon, now known as Cece McCasland, was a dedicated student-athlete who played as a defender for the Texas Tech University women’s soccer team from 1996 to 1999. Throughout her collegiate career, she consistently demonstrated academic excellence and athletic prowess.
In 1997, as a sophomore, Cece was named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team, highlighting her commitment to balancing rigorous academic responsibilities with the demands of collegiate athletics.
Her academic achievements continued in her senior year when she was again honored on the Academic All-Big 12 First Team in 1999. Notably, she was among the 12 soccer players in the conference to be recognized for the fourth time, underscoring her sustained dedication to academic excellence throughout her college years.
Beyond her individual accolades, Cece contributed significantly to the team’s success. One of her most cherished memories includes defeating both Texas and Texas A&M in the same weekend, an achievement she described as “awesome.”
Cece’s time at Texas Tech not only shaped her athletic and academic journey but also her personal life. She met her husband, Grant McCasland, during their time at the university. Grant, who was pursuing his master’s degree and serving as the director of basketball operations at Texas Tech, reconnected with Cece, whom he had known since their high school days in Irving, Texas. Their shared experiences and values led to their marriage in 2001, and their four beautiful children.
Today, as Grant serves as the head men’s basketball coach at Texas Tech, Cece continues to be an integral part of the Red Raider community, supporting her family and contributing to the university’s vibrant athletic culture.
Grant McCasland Bio
Grant McCasland is an American college basketball coach renowned for his strategic acumen and leadership in collegiate athletics. As of March 2025, he serves as the head men’s basketball coach at Texas Tech University.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 14, 1976, in Irving, Texas, McCasland developed a passion for basketball early in life. He attended Baylor University, where he played as a point guard for the Bears from 1995 to 1999. During his time at Baylor, McCasland not only showcased his skills on the court but also laid the foundation for his future coaching career.
Coaching Career
Early Coaching Roles
McCasland began his coaching journey as the Director of Basketball Operations at Texas Tech University from 1999 to 2001. He then served as an assistant coach at Northeastern Junior College (2001–2003) and Midland College (2003–2004), gaining valuable experience and honing his coaching philosophy.
Head Coaching Positions
In 2004, McCasland was appointed head coach at Midland College, where he achieved remarkable success, including winning the NJCAA Division I Championship in 2007. His tenure at Midland concluded with an impressive 143–32 record.
McCasland then led Midwestern State University from 2009 to 2011, guiding the team to consecutive NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearances and amassing a 55–12 record.
After serving as an assistant coach at Baylor University from 2011 to 2016, McCasland took on the head coaching role at Arkansas State University for the 2016–2017 season, leading the team to a 20–12 record.
North Texas Success
In 2017, McCasland became the head coach at the University of North Texas. Under his leadership, the Mean Green secured the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) title in 2018 and the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship in 2023. His tenure at North Texas was marked by a 135–65 record, reflecting his ability to build and sustain a winning program.
Texas Tech Tenure
McCasland returned to Texas Tech University as the head men’s basketball coach in 2023. In his inaugural season, he led the Red Raiders to a 23–11 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance. The following season, the team improved to a 27–8 record, finishing second in the Big 12 Conference and advancing to the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32.
Coaching Philosophy and Impact
Known for his emphasis on defense and team cohesion, McCasland has built a reputation for turning programs around and fostering a culture of success. His coaching style focuses on discipline, hard work, and developing players both on and off the court.
Legacy
Grant McCasland’s coaching career is distinguished by his ability to revitalize basketball programs and lead teams to championships across various collegiate levels. His ongoing tenure at Texas Tech University continues to add to his legacy as a transformative figure in college basketball coaching.
